When I found out a band called Pinky Doodle Poodle was coming to town, my first thought was, "oh great, another 'quirky,' probably-Canadian band with a featureless sound that can only be labeled 'indie.'" But upon closer examination, it turned out they were a truly wailing three-piece from Japan. (Keep in mind, Japan checked out of reality sometime in the 80s; they're not coming back, and you can only assume "Pinky Doodle Poodle" is postmodern Japanese for "really awesome...thing.")

Their sound has the pop sensibility of Melt Banana's later, listenable stuff, but replace the glistening pop-punk with Boris-esque big British rig meanness and the rusty noise-outs of Guitar Wolf. Big in Europe and Japan for some time now, PDP has a reputation for stellar live shows, and their stop at Mohawk tonight (47 E. Mohawk St, 8PM, $7) marks the beginning of the group's stint in our great pretty good city, where they'll be recording their American debut. The bill also features 86 To Nowhere and Contagious Woo. Get over your apprehension of their name, and get downtown.

That's Battle of Original Music of course.  Tonight at Nietzsche's, four of Buffalo's best local bands will compete for a spot in the grand finale of Artvoice's very own annual battle of the bands contest.  The grand finale will take place on April 20th, with the winner walking away $5000.  But lets worry about tonight first.  Competing tonight are buffaBLOG fav the Tins, a indie rock trio who are prepping their full length debut album, which is set to drop next month, and Mr. Boneless a four piece blue/garage rock group originally out of Fredonia whose members all coincidentally share the same last name of Boneless ala the Ramones and Los Campesinos!.  Each act will be given 30 minutes to impress the judges.  Also competeing tonight are hard rocking, arena ready Contagious Woo and atmospheric metal sounds of Third Realm.  The music kicks off tonight with Contagious Woo at 10:30.  Cover is $5.
The Murder Song by Mr. Boneless

Third Realm - Romantic Death by Third Realm