THIS WEEK IN MUSIC >>>

The Weekly Volcano never sleeps. It's true ... or very close to true. We average only a few hours of shut-eye a night, be it because we're compulsive insomniacs who stay up long working on our Words With Friends skills (Bobble Tiki), or simply because there's just so much to do.

Included in all this doing? As always, another shining installment of the Weekly Volcano music section.

We wouldn't lie. You better believe we managed to pump out another stellar Weekly Volcano music section - your every Thursday chance at the best in local music coverage.

Here's a look at the sonic goodness coming at you in print and online in this week's Volcano ...

FEATURE: THE BREAKLITES

Something about the BreakLites calling their new album RAPFACE -all caps, accompanied by an illustration of a vicious animal with the title clenched in his teeth - seems weirdly incongruous when compared to the music the BreakLites make. The packaging is so aggro that when you finally hear what the BreakLites do, you can't help but laugh. This is a hip-hop group that places a premium on the sound of the record; this is an album that mostly drifts along amiably, MC Cruel's steady stream of words floating on top of a bed of tight beats and smooth melodies - melodies that, for the most part, stay out of the way of the rap. With the exception of the occasional scratchy guitar lick popping through the mix, the music just serves to buoy and support the vocals. ... -- Rev. Adam McKinney

HIP-HOP: ALLIANCE BATTLE LEAGUE & MORE

On a local note, every Saturday at Rum-Runners on South Tacoma Way there's an Alliance Battle League event - from 1-4pm. Alliance Battle League was formed down at the Graffiti Garages on Broadway but has morphed into an official MC battle league that produces legit battles every Saturday (with judges and all). This is the place to see and hear truly raw hip-hop. No press from a show, no write-ups in a newspaper, just two MCs who are pissed at each other and have some really awful, wicked and humorous things to tell one another. It's one of the most organic, local, D.I.Y. movements to come out of Tacoma hip-hop this year. ... -- Josh Rizeberg

WE RECOMMEND: ALLAN BOOTHE

Looking at Allan Boothe and hearing him sing are two completely different things. To see him, he's a tall, handsome guy with a goofy laugh and an affable manner, but to see him perform is to see a bundle of nerves. As Humble Cub, Boothe is buoyed by a bed of choppy, layered sound, which serves to carry his nerviness through into something resembling indie pop. But when he performs, all of the tics and eccentricities stand front and center. ... -- Rev. AM

WE RECOMMEND: MAIA SANTELL

Maia Santell has been called the Northwest's queen of swing for her high-energy shows and boisterous vocals. Yet, unlike so many female singers, she is not a screamer but rather possesses exceptional vocal control that is rich and warm. This show should mark a great way to kick off your holiday weekend. ...  - Weekly Volcano

PLUS: Better Living Through Music - Death By Stars, James Coates, Luminol & more ...

PLUS: Concert Alert

PLUS: Comprehensive Live Local Music Listings

PLUS: Holiday-themed garbage like this