Good luck trying to pin Big Whup's sound down to a scene; we ended up sounding like Gene Shalit if he overdosed on Radio Free Silver Lake. ("It's as if Win Butler teamed up with Prince's backup vocalists, and the Talking Heads came over to their lockout and said, 'Let's have some ear sex or something.' ") The group, made up of borrowed members from local bands like Pizza! and Morgan and Her Organs, are as grassroots and who-gives-a-fuck as you can get, so cheek--I mean, check them out at their Echo Curio set this Friday.  Details next to the naked bod below.

Crash Kings have a favorable identity crisis. The rock trio's El Rey set last Friday as support for Rooney opened with their single "Mountain Man," a heavy, blues rock piece uncommon in local sounds.  But the southern grit seemed to end there.  What followed were high voltage piano-based big beat songs charged with loud, confident and tasteful pop anthems.  Best off, their power pop isn't precocious.  Aside from proving themselves multifaceted, Crash Kings exhibited an unusually high energy from each member's trying to topple each other in how severely they could beat the shit out of their instruments. A battle truly worth witnessing. -Hugo Gomez

Pollyn | "Still Love"
Directed by Samrod Shenassa & Adam Jay Weissman

The music video isn't dead.  Well, at least to ambient rock outfit Lowlight.  This Thursday night at the American Film Institute, the band are previewing every track of their forthcoming A Wonderful Lie album in film form, all directed and produced by local film makers.  Those in attendance will be provided wine and cheese and will be able to vote for their favorites to award directors cash prizes.  The event is free, but $10 guarantees a seat, and space will be limited, so arrive early.  For more details and RSVP information, check out the Facebook event page.

Jason Karaban | "Succeed 101"

Singer/songwriter Jason Karaban is taking a departure from the warm intimacy of his last EP Mayfly to the multi-instrumental and brighter sounds of his forthcoming Just Enough, Just In Case EP. If "Succeed 101" is any indication of the new release, expect Karaban's signature pen in heavy lyric, but in a more optimistic sonic avenue.