SOURCES IN CODE

>>> FRIDAY, APRIL 13

If I were to guess, I'd say that Sources in Code are not a band that would shy away from a label like "epic" or "mind-expanding." They describe themselves as progressive and experimental, but these qualities mainly manifest themselves in the form of these momentous, expansive rock and roll journeys that have less to do with Gentle Giant and Genesis and more with to do with the heavier and more grandiose moments of bands like the Verve or Spiritualized. One also gets the impression that Sources in Code are way more comfortable in a live setting than they are in a recording studio. Their tight musicianship is what carries them. After years of involvement in other progressive rock bands, the members of Sources in Code seem to have their shit down. - Rev. Adam McKinney

THE NEW FRONTIER LOUNGE, WITH GUESTS, FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 8 P.M., COVER TBA, 301 E. 25TH ST., TACOMA, 253.572.4020

MENDOZZA, BONE SICKNESS

>>> FRIDAY, APRIL 13

Normally with Better Living blurbs, we focus on one band. But, I'm torn about this upcoming show at McCoy's in Olympia. I absolutely have to give shine to both Canadian sludge doom band Mendozza, and local up-and-comer metal monsters Bone Sickness. Let's start with Mendozza. These heavy hitters have been on the indie circuit now for six years. They chug and churn and hit below the belt with their arsenal of heady bass lines, rip-your-face vocals and guitar, and tattering drumbeats. Mendozza's drummer, Bina, says she's excited to play off their self-titled new album, specifically the 8-minute song, "Spirit Horse." "It's slow and Melvins-y, and super fun to play," she says. And Bone Sickness. Hot damn. These guys blister with eternal metal riffs and classic cookie monster vocals. They play dirty. They play intimate. And they play f***ing loud. On local record label 20 Buck Spin, these guys are gaining momentum in the metal community. In 2010, Olympia ate 'em up when they opened for the Melvins at the Capitol Theater. Since then, Bone Sickness has continued their buzz with shows from here to Texas. Back at McCoy's for another night of head banging delight, Bone Sickness will not fail to deliver a raw performance. - Nikki Talotta

MCCOY'S TAVERN, MENDOZZA, BONE SICKNESS, FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 8 P.M., $4, 418 FOURTH AVE., OLYMPIA, 360.352.0696

OK SWEETHEART

>>> SATURDAY, APRIL 14

Citing whimsical, prolific, minor-key songwriters like Randy Newman and Harry Nilsson as influences, OK Sweetheart's M.O. seems to consist of crafting delectable nuggets of pop music that equally serve the heart and the brain. Frontwoman Erin Austin's delicately lovely voice stands front and center and is buoyed by light-as-air instrumentation that drives with a gentle touch. It's all so clean and pristine, which helps to direct attention toward the modestly heartbroken lyrics. When an offbeat piece of production slips in (like the slightly blown-out drums on the title track of OK Sweetheart's debut LP, Home), the effect is novel, instead of distracting. OK Sweetheart has seemingly mastered the creation of the crystalline pop song - it's all refracted light and fragile form, constantly defying the ever-present possibility of shattering. - Rev. AM

URBAN GRACE, WITH IVAN & ALYOSHA, ELK & BOAR, BEN FISHER, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, $8, 7:30PM, 902 MARKET ST., TACOMA

JOANNE RAND

>>> TUESDAY, APRIL 17

Club hopping can be overrated, especially when the weather is a snarling blast of rain and wind that makes one think twice about even leaving the couch. Some nights we like to stake out a place at a club and hang out for a while, maybe have a meal, a few adult beverages, and listen to music that doesn't invite itself into our head with an axe handle.  Other nights we want to snuggle in a Zen-like environment and stream soulful acoustic tunes.

Tuesday, with rain in the forecast, we can bathe in both worlds.

Psychedelic folk revivalist Joanne Rand - whose website and publicity photos picture her soaking wet - will drop by Fusion Integrated Body Studio for a night of avant-garde Appalachian traditionals, southern blues-rock and original orchestral compositions centering on the human condition and interacting with nature. You might have seen her back in the early '90s when she was an integral part of the Seattle music scene. Today, she calls Northern California home, and every rag in that area has printed the word "best" next to her name. Grab an umbrella and soak in a true talent. - Weekly Volcano

FUSION, WITH THE HINGES, TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 8 P.M., $10 ADVANCE AT RAINY DAY RECORDS, $13 DOOR, 302 COLUMBIA ST. NW, OLYMPIA, 360.918.3740