There isn’t a band in Portland as keen to the grooving psychedelia of the late ‘60s as The Pynnacles. The Pynnacles take influence from garage rock’s glory days and inject it with a modern energy as driving as any punk group, resulting in an explosive live show that can get any crowd on their feet. This explosive spirit is captured in dynamic clarity on their debut album, which is being released this Saturday night at the Tonic Lounge. From the first track the album pulls the listener in with it’s lively rhythms and contagious vocal hooks that set the stage for the electrifying sounds that follow. Guitars wail, organs pulse and drums fly as the album moves through it’s vintage styles and psychedelic tones, leaving the listener wanting more after the final note of “The Open Road” is struck. Be at the Tonic on Saturday night celebrate the release with The Pynnacles, The No Tomorrow Boys and The Verner Pantons and pick up a copy of the new album while you’re there. You don’t want to miss this one. – Benjamin Toledo

Shook Twins brought their country style from Idaho to Portland and turned it into a bigger, more contemporary sound. They now have a full lineup to complete what once was an identical twin duo of a an acoustic guitar and banjo player to include a vast range of instrumentation including an upright bass, mandolin, face drums and a large golden egg that is used for percussions. The elements of bluegrass set the backdrop while they sing cleanly along to a wahhed out guitar. Shook Twins have an incredible ability to draw in an audience as each song tells a story and their laid back persona makes the show personable, danceable, and fun. After a hefty touring schedule, they have made their way back to Portland for an eclectic evening at the Wonder Ballroom this Friday night with supporting acts Bike Thief and Lost Lander. – Colin Hudson

Fever is perhaps one of the brightest spots in the Bridgetown Goth and Rock Noir scene. Their website instructs listeners and fans to enjoy Fever’s music "with a black lace garter and shot of whisky," and nothing could suit this music better. The seductive fusion of dark themes and dreamy vocals end up sounding like the best kind of trouble. The Tonic Lounge will be trying to contain all this trouble March 29 when Fever will hit the stage once again, preceded by the multifarious Lydian Gray. Lydian Gray weaves the same rock noir threads into a texture entirely different from Fever, but with the same dark exploration of intelligent music. The end result is a deeply engaging and intriguingly thoughtful sound that has earned comparisons to Tom Waits and Muse. The Fur Coats will also be gracing the stage, bringing a pop sound that is soulful and crisp. This band knows how to enjoy themselves on stage and by the sounds of things, they had as much fun in the studio recording the self titled album that dropped this last January. Doors will open at 8:00pm and there is a $5 cover to see three of Portland’s bands that go together as well as good tunes, a black lace garter and a shot of whiskey. – Joy Pearson