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Hip-hop: The Lacey-based duo of LA Swagga is comprised of the thin and dark chocolate-toned lyricist and MC battle champion, LA White, and the thicker businessman-turned-MC, caramel-colored personality, Swagg. Both in their early 20s, they attended high school in Lacey and grew up together. The fact both LA White and Swagg come from motivated households gives clear insight about how they chose their title, and even more understanding about how confidently they walk, talk and -most notably - rap. They will celebrate the released of their new CD, LA Swagga is Mr. Gold Medals and Mr. Blue Ribbons, tonight with SP, DJ Luigi, DJ Travisty. Thursday, June 10, 9 p.m., $10, The Royal Lounge, 311 Capitol Way N., Olympia, 360.705.0760 - Jose Gutierrez Jr.
Punk: In terms of ferocity alone, Seattle duo Last Slice of Butter is some kind of champion. Despite consisting of only bass and drums (the Death From Above 1979 formula, if you will), they're capable of stirring up more racket than just about anyone in the 206 area code. Their music is punk, technically, but you can tell there are some canny pop and grunge instincts under all the dirty, deafening distortion. If you're not already sold, know this: TSLOB drummer Travis Coster is insane. Lightning fast and furiously forceful, he needs to be seen to be believed. With Humble Cub, Emperor Moth, and Girls From the Moon, Thursday, June 10, 6 p.m., all ages, $5, The Squawk Box, 745 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, myspace.com/squeakandsquawkfestival - Jason Baxter
Pop: There are some bands that cut straight to the quick. The Pica Beats are smart enough to put lead singer R. Barrett's voice front and center. Listening to the Pica Beats, it's almost as if Barrett is sitting on the opposite end of a campfire with you, singing right at you with uncomfortable eye contact. It's intimate pop music that avoids being maudlin or sleepy and boring. The band's childlike interest in the insides of bodies and the threshold of human emotion lend quirkiness and peculiar sadness to the whole. With Basemint, Santee, Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside, Thursday, June 10, 9 p.m., $8, The New Frontier Lounge, 301 E. 25th St., Tacoma, myspace.com/squeakandsquawkfestival - The Rev. Adam McKinney