We have a triple threat on our hands tonight. Each act offers a mind-bending exploration of sound, that is, if you choose to let go. Think of them as a triple-layer popsicle--flavors blending and melting together, yet distinguishable by taste and age.

First on the roster is Buffalo-born Rhubarb, formed in the late 1990's when trapper keepers were in the limelight and we prepared for epic millennium celebrations around the globe. Perhaps this pivotal timing had something to do with their sound. It's not the over-saturated and aimless wanderings most 'psychedelic' music cares to label itself. Rhubarb clearly takes its roots from a jazz-standpoint, like Medeski, Martin, & Wood, slowly carving out a sensual rhythm and twisting the beat into a delightful daydream, steady on percussive leads.

Next in line is Rochester-based Ocupanther, who take their name from a mythical Ocular Panther who gains control of a soul through hypnotic eye contact. This is an appropriate naming for the ensnaring quartet. With the addition of synthesizer, their sound creates an atmospheric, engulfing presence. They repeat phrases in order to build and release tension, that will make you realize you've been standing in a type of paralysis for twenty minutes.

The final act on the bill is another local act Brown Sugar, a group in their infancy, but don't let that fool you. For how quickly and organically the band was formed, these guys have skill. Recently they opened at Aqueous' final residency show, and this will be their second return to Nietzche's. You won't be able to find any samples of their work, but let's say it's sly, sexy, and full of funk.

Be ready to take it to the next level with a simple flick of a five dolla bill. 10 p.m.

If you haven't already guessed by the flyer, tonight's show at Buffalo Iron Works will feature two acts that bring a visceral and encompassing experience of frenzied feedback that may open an undiscovered sight. Both trios are drawing from a subconscious, pensive sensation, yet wield this exploration in separate ways. After recently changing their name from Cardinal Direction to The Naturalists, which better classifies the direction of their musical journey, these guys are ready to bring the heavy stuff to the stage. Their latest release, "Robert DeNiro," at one moment is hauntingly docile, and the next sends a static jolt through your system. Second act on the bill is Zealot, who were ranked as one of our top acts to watch in 2014. Still in their blossoming stage, this post-punk group formed in Fredonia reveals rambling and aching riffs that are sure to make you bond with the sweaty stranger next to you in a silent head nod of agreement. This is solid. 

Doors will be at 8, music starts, I'm predicting, around 9. Whip out that Abraham and ID to get in.

I'll admit--most of the phrases I want to use to introduce Well Worn Boot are highly inappropriate and verging on grotesque (such as "tighten your strap-ons"), as that is what this foursome often drudges up with their high-energy antics and foot stomping revelry that only a barrel of whiskey and ten angry, over sexualized dwarves can match. We're used to the neighing, the masks, the shouting of bizarre chants ("making out in public!"), or the appearance of busty burlesquers twirling their voluptuous tasseled tits to a crazed percussion and flute antics from the lead who looks like Mowgli from the Jungle Book post bender. Tonight, the group faces a back to back show with Fredonia sourced exoskeletal madmen Mr. Boneless, whose mystique holds steady with their mesmerizing ability. Both acts are a treat to see live, and I encourage you to participate in the whiskey raffle. Central Park Grill is the place, 9:30 is the time. Bring your 21+ identification and 4$ folks.

For those of you who didn't get a chance to read the full guide to Aqueous' residency at Nietzsche's, here's another glimpse into the four-night treat they'll be entertaining for the month of February. Tonight they play with Baltimore located Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, who bring a high-energy funk to their tunes and nothing short of a good time. What's unique about each week is the themes Aqueous has decided to run with. All fans, or new recruits, are encouraged to take part. Tonight is "Decades" themed, and hopefully that will cross over beyond sheer costume to their musical selection for the night. If you're a smart ass you can dress from 2010, but I'll see you there in a 90's puffy sparkly blue turtleneck and a fake tattoo. Doors at 9 p.m., 21+, $7 if you don't already have a residency pass.

In mentioning Jay Z, numbers that account his net worth may come to mind. Conversations may spark of the "Illuminati" conspiracy, or the relationship idealization and fascination of many for him and the well-adored Beyoncé. Shawn Carter, a man of many names, is much more than the trending topical tweets. Although his most recent album release, Magna Carta Holy Grail, had mixed reviews, it remains a consensus that he continues as a talented, motivated and legendary icon in the game. Jay Z, above all things, is a true artist, an innovator.

Tonight, he will make a stop at the First Niagara Center for his Magna Carter World Tour. Along with him will be Timbaland, who had a significant part in the production of the album.

To capture the feel of MCHG, as a product of his album's release, he held a 6-hour performance piece at Pace Gallery in New York City. Surrounded by artists, actors, students, poets, art dealers, filmmakers, youngsters and designers, he performed "Picasso Baby" on a platform while interacting with the crowd. Some would sit individually on the bench as he would perform to them; in some cases, they would switch and Jay Z would watch them display their own form of artistry.

"Rap is pretty much thinking out loud. You're talking, and you're putting your fears and your vulnerabilities, and you're putting bravado, your insecurities, all on music. And it's there for the world to see. You're really giving a glimpse into who you are," he said.

The album is sprinkled with plenty of art references, which Complex Magazine cleverly broke down, to the lyric.

In the "Picasso Baby" video, Hov said, "Concerts are pretty much performance art, but the venues change. And just by nature, the venues, the performance change ... So you get to feel the energy of the people. In a concert, especially a large concert, all that energy comes to you ... what do you do with that energy? So today, it's kind of an exchange..." Tonight, that exchange will occur, right here in the Queen City.

Mindbenders, rabble-rousers, sonic masters of shenanigans, all converge under one cracking roof and sticker-ridden walls to wear out 2013's old style and lash into 2014 with a flying set of diverse bands. If you're into the twisted chaos of ethereal guitar swirls and enchanting sitar plucks, I should see your bum shakin' it tomorrow evening at Nietzsche's Buffalo.

Even though many, many jam-oriented events were booked here this year, there's still no better place to surrender to Funktional Flow's eclectic style that begs the whole body to get up and groove. At times they start out coy, wheeling a reggae-steady beat, and before you know it you feel like you're breakdancing to the raging synth-like pounces of The Disco Biscuits. If you're lacking a Funktional Flow show under your leather pouch, it's a highly suggested adventure, especially with the additional acts on the bill.

Family Funktion & The Sitar Jams blend a mix of sitar, bass, and drums that give an a-rhythmic quality, similar to groups like Consider The Source and New Jersey-based Zetizen. Songs like "Lusa" and "What To Do" ring of a dark mystery in a most seductive and dervish way. Looking for something more soulful? Smackdab brings the aching funk blend, punching out a steady tune that's heavy on rock with a blues baby mixed in for seasoning. Finally, Logo City's contribution to the evening is a melodic glide and invites the organ as the main component to the sonic banquet.

All the acids and bases are mixed to the right pH level to party. Don't leave the house without your ID that says 21+, 5 dollars, and a smile. Show up around 9 p.m. if you will, babes.

Coming off her 2009 record Two Suns and its subsequent world tour, Bat For Lashes mastermind Natasha Khan returned to her Brighton, England home in a state of creative exile. She had ended the relationship that had inspired her impressive sophomore effort, and an unshakable cloak of writer’s block was slowly tightening its grip on the musician, to the point where she began questioning her future in music altogether. Knowing she could not live in a state of autonomous self-doubt, Khan began reaching out to artists like Thom Yorke (whose advice was simply “to draw”) and Beck for creative direction. Along with gaining advice from peers, Khan pulled inspiration from a book called The Enchantment of Art and David Lean’s film Ryan’s Daughter, both of which sparked her to write “Lilies”, the creative breakthrough that would eventually be the elegantly cutting opener to her third and most magnificent album to date in The Haunted Man. 

While the LP's title and album artwork may suggest a certain darkness, the album wields stunning moments of elation and joyfulness that can only come from the vanquishing of a deep and difficult challenge; these ideas are only haunted insofar as they are presented by Khan in her most vulnerable state, one that brings out her deepest fears, while also bringing a steadfast liberation.
Tonight, Khan brings her Bat For Lashes tour to Town Ballroom. Doors are at 7, tickets are still available online, and will be at the door for $23.

Radiohead’s The Bends is one of the more important albums of the 1990s. After breaking through with “Creep,” off 1993’s Pablo Honey, Radiohead proved they were no flash in the pan when they created a follow-up that featured deeper lyrics, and more complex instrumentation. Many a depressed high school student has spent nights alone in their room crying along to “Fake Plastic Trees,” “Bulletproof....I Wish I Was,” and of course, the all-time weeper “Street Spirit (Fade Out),” which was actually about environmental destruction but seemed to describe the symptoms of depression pretty well anyway.

While the band would go on to create more complex work with OK Computer and Kid A, this was the album that established them as one of best bands in the world. Tonight, local tribute act Kurt & The Loders will be performing the classic album at the Tralf Music Hall. Kurt & The Loders are a cover band that acts as a tribute to all of the excellent music that came out of the 1990s, with a specific tendency towards the earlier half of the decade. Quite often, they venture into the world of grunge, as earlier this year, they played a show dedicated to the music of Pearl Jam. Another show focused primarily on Weezer. They like to focus their efforts on the very best acts to come out of this era, and in that regard, Radiohead was an excellent choice to pay homage to. Any Radiohead fan looking to hear a different act tap into the precise musicianship and raw emotion that made The Bends such a great album would be wise to check out the scene at the Tralf tonight. Special guest Whiskey Reverb opens the show.

Doors open tonight at 7pm, with music kicking off at 8pm.  Tickets are $15.

For 20 years now, the Old 97's have been one of the premiere bands on the alt-country circuit. Taking their name from Bob Dylan's "The Wreck of The Old 97," Rhett Miller and company have delivered have found success with critically acclaimed albums such as Fight Songs, and Blame It On Gravity, which is one of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2008.

Tonight, the band breaks their signature sound to the Tralf. as they continue to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their seminal album Too Far To Care, which was their major label debut and brought their music to a much larger audience. Since then, the Old 97's have been one of the more recognizable bands on the alt-country circuit. Any fan of the genre would be wise to check out what the 97s have to offer tonight.

Tickets can be purchased for $25 this evening, with doors openings at 7pm.