A LEAF

>>> FRIDAY, JAN. 6

A Leaf is one of the first bands I ever wrote about. Now, two and a half years later, I find myself returning to the band's music with fresh ears and a newfound admiration for the velvety smooth sounds they create. Drawing inspiration from the British folk-rock of the '60s and '70s, as well as the more bombastic elements of Britpop - and occasional dips into dream-pop territory - A Leaf's music is absorbing and soothing, while still carving out moments that surprise and delight in equal measure. This is music fit for listening to on a sunny spring drive, or alone, in a darkened room, as rain steadily raps on your windows. A Leaf is a band fully formed, clear of intent and vision, a continuing bright spot in Tacoma. - Rev. Adam McKinney

[The New Frontier Lounge, with Tallest Tree, Pocket Panda, 9 p.m., cover TBA, 301 E. 25th St., Tacoma, 253.572.4020]

ROMAN HOLIDAY

>>> SATURDAY, JAN. 7

The Volcano has sung the praises of Roman Holiday many times before (as recently as last September, in fact, when the band released its second full-length, Move Your Heart/Shake Your Bones). With a localized brand of seemingly arena-ready pop rock, the band - led by longtime friends Shane Lance (lead vocals, guitar) and Emerson Shotwell (drums) - has been rocking hard and looking good doing it in these parts since 2008. There's nothing mysterious about what Roman Holiday accomplishes - the act is no stranger to Kings of Leon comparisons or skinny jeans - but the precision with which this band struts its stuff is definitely something worth noticing. Unless you're some sort of music snob, you'll probably find something agreeable in Roman Holiday's mix. Coming on the heals of a rousing performance at Tacoma's First Night celebration, Roman Holiday will take the stage at Jazzbones Saturday and put all of the aforementioned pop rock mastery on full display. - Matt Driscoll

[Jazzbones, 8:30 p.m., $10, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, jazzbones.com]

CORIN TUCKER BAND

>>> SATURDAY, JAN. 7

The name Corin Tucker holds a lot of sway in Olympia. For the unfamiliar few, Corin Tucker is the shrieking voice that fronted the iconic, riot grrrl-defining Sleater-Kinney. Since the dissolution of the band, the members of Sleater-Kinney have gone on to form Wild Flag, while Tucker has struck out on her own. On the Corin Tucker Band's debut, Tucker explored her more melodic side, relying less on the violent, slash-and-burn motif that accompanied much of Sleater-Kinney's output. Stripping her sound bare and rebuilding it in a more mature mold did Tucker quite well. In her new, more muted mode, it's easier to see the innate talent and charm she has. And Sleater-Kinney or no, I think it's a safe bet that Tucker still brings it like hell live. - Rev. AM

[The Midnight Sun, with Western Hymn, Broken Water, 9 p.m., $7, 113 Columbia St., Olympia]

CHRISTIAN MISTRESS

>>> THURSDAY, JAN. 12

Olympia's Christian Mistress, purveyors of old school metal of the purest and most potent kind, will release their sophomore LP, Possession, on Relapse Records Feb. 28. Expect it to be scorching, and like a literal flashback to the glorious 1980s. Anchored by the darkly feminine vocals of Christine Davis, Christian Mistress has built a name on authentic riffage and plodding power chords. A listen to "Haunted Hunted," the first available song from Possession, indicates more of the same is on its ways to the surely-thankful, devil-horn waving masses. Presented by Owl Lodge, catch the band at the Capitol Theater Backstage with Thou, The Body and Dreamdecay next week. Prepare to head bang. - MD

[Capitol Theater Backstage, 9 p.m., all ages, $6, 206 Fifth Ave., Olympia, 360.754.6670]