Some may embrace the idea of easing into the New Year, hesitating like a child afraid to leap into a swimming pool. Others won’t second-guess; their decision confirmed with a resounding splash. The duo of Joey Doubek and Ashley Arnwine, otherwise known as Pinkwash, will be performing tonight at Kat Frat for those ready to dive in. Pinkwash is a band that smacks you in the face in a refreshing with an adrenaline rush of intensity that locks you in from the jump, synchronizing a heart-pounding percussive backbone and the focused attack of guitar as Doubek’s vocals guide the way. They perform at such a high speed that it appears capable of jumping the rails. However, this isn’t reckless abandon; it’s high performance skill. This night will also feature another dynamic duo in Hassan Malik & Abdullah Saeed, a.k.a. Sunny Ali & the Kid, whose eccentric blend of psych, hip-hop and punk captivates while frequently switching gears. Western Massachusetts’ tandem The Taxidermists bring a colorfully twisted lyrical approach with a snarly punk-pop vibe, while New York-based trio Show Me the Body reach out infusing banjo into a heavy, grooving hip-hop scenario, testing traditional musical boundaries. But who needs bounderies? Kat Frat (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.), 7:30pm, $5-$7, All Ages – Michael Colavita
