Hey! Are you a fan of Hot Snakes and Drive Like Jehu? If so, I’ve just found your new favorite band: Dragged By Horses. They’re from Arcata, Calif., and their new album, Deep In the Woods, fucking rules. Like the aforementioned San Diego bands, Dragged By Horses pounds out a perfect blend of atonal punk and balls-out rock. Something about the droning, pulsing bass lines and the sharp, start-stop guitar work really gets to me. And the melodic yelp of singer/guitarist Pablo Midence fits the music like a well-worn glove. It should be noted that, yes, the band sounds quite a bit like the Jehu of old, but there are enough differences and high-quality songwriting to make up for it.
Weekend sounds
Tonight
Dragged By Horseswith Paranaut and FacepilotThe Red Eye Lounge, 209 N.W. Couch St.$5, 9 p.m., 21-plus
Hey! Are you a fan of Hot Snakes and Drive Like Jehu? If so, I’ve just found your new favorite band: Dragged By Horses. They’re from Arcata, Calif., and their new album, Deep In the Woods, fucking rules. Like the aforementioned San Diego bands, Dragged By Horses pounds out a perfect blend of atonal punk and balls-out rock. Something about the droning, pulsing bass lines and the sharp, start-stop guitar work really gets to me. And the melodic yelp of singer/guitarist Pablo Midence fits the music like a well-worn glove. It should be noted that, yes, the band sounds quite a bit like the Jehu of old, but there are enough differences and high-quality songwriting to make up for it.
Local bruisers Paranaut are headlining, and if you like your sludge-metal loud and in charge, then you’ll want to check them out.
Xiu Xiuwith Dragging an Ox Through WaterSomeday Lounge, 125 N.W. Fifth Ave.$12, 9 p.m., 21-plus
Everyone’s favorite (maybe not) indie-alt-weirdo-pop-rock band is coming to Portland. Just thought you should know. (They’re supposed to put on a good show.)
El Cerdo with Oscillating Innards Satyricon, 125 N.W. Sixth Ave. $7, 9 p.m., all-ages
Local noise-grind band Blowupnihilist was in a fairly devastating van-accident on Jan. 12 while on tour. No one was hurt, but thousands of dollars worth of equipment and materials was destroyed. Blowupnihilist isn’t really a band as much as it’s one dude: Andre Sanabria. So losing everything was a big blow. But, to try to help Andre out and get Blowupnihilist back in action, his friends in El Cerdo and five other bands are throwing a benefit show. So if you like experimental, heavy-ass metal, check out this show.
Saturday
Lifesavaswith Cool NutzDoug Fir Lounge, 830 E. Burnside St.$14, 8 p.m., 21-plus
Portland’s best indie hip-hop crew (not that we have too many) knows how to make your head bob. The rapping on their albums is fluid, and the beats are funky and have that “just right” attitude. There’s really nothing to dislike about the Lifesavas. So if you’re looking for a hip-hop show this weekend, get thee to the Doug Fir.
Clutchwith Murder By DeathRoseland Theater, 8 N.W. Sixth Ave.$22, 8 p.m., all-ages
Clutch might be one of the best hard-rock, blues-based bands going right now. Which is weird, considering they were once one of the best proto-noise-rock bands in the business. You can’t argue with progress, though, and Clutch’s catchy, groovy rock songs certainly demand attention.
Openers Murder By Death are little melancholy for most people’s tastes, but their alt-country sound is a nice fit with the more up-tempo Clutch.
