Maybe I'm out of the loop, but who is Cardinal Direction? Some peripheral internet research leads me to believe they are a Buffalo three-piece with a couple tapes online, but I've never seen them. Heavy, stoner-ish backdrops with a bit of angsty mid-90s-MTV-at-3AM pop-punk in the vocals. Like if Dookie was recorded by Young Widows, and someone from Fu Manchu or Kissing Chaos produced the sessions. Welp, my curiosity is sure to be assuaged when they play Waiting Room tonight (334 Delaware Ave, 9PM, $6), with Cosmic Shakedown, Second Trip, and Den of Lions. With that many good bands, you'll disservice yourself to not attend.

All good things must come to an end, and Buffalo's 2013 Infringement Fest is nearing that time. We've seen some good bands, watched some stand-out flicks, and dived into the cultural epicenter of Buffalo's counterculture movement. Now is the time to put the beast to bed, at least temporarily, and say goodnight.

But wait! We have one final night to celebrate! If you've made it this far, you might as well take it one step further. Buy the ticket, take the ride. Today marks the last day in the journey, and there's still a few surprises lurking yonder.

As part of the infringement festival closing ceremonies, Nietzches will be hosting an evening party featuring a who's who of unique music acts, including Second Trip (listen below), Jen Whitmore, Wise Medicine as well as a host of other's. This "pay what you can" event also features the Iffy Awards, an audience suggested awards ceremony, which will take place throughout the show (8pm). It's befitting that Nietzches close out the fest, as it is so uniquely tied to our city and the grassroot's spirit of our musical community.

Other notable events include the 500 block of Main streets "Chalkfest" featuring sidewalk square artistry (12-6pm, free), and the avant folk of Shubbalulium which will take place outside of Coming Home Buffalo.

Infringement Fest is about celebrating all things Buffalo. Do your part, and be a part of it. This is about us.

Parquet Court's excellent Light Up Gold slipped under everyone's radar last year, only picking up steam earlier this year when it was rereleased. Comprised of former members of Teenage Cool Kids, Parquet Court's quick taut songs bring to mind now canon 80's bands like the Minutemen, Wire, and a less experimental Mission of Burma. Feeling like they could run off the rails at any minute, these songs are tensely held together, possessing a nervous edge. Short, simple and twitchy.

Giving this show a little "something for everyone" motif, local openers Second Trip and Merchants lean towards heavy and slow so you will have a bit of a warmup for Parquet Courts.

Parquet Courts w/Second Trip and Merchants
Tralf Music Hall
Doors @ 7pm/ Show @ 8pm
$12

Duke's will be hosting a stacked bill of great local rock bands tonight to keep you pumped all night. Each band has a unique sound that will make this a very eclectic night and have something for every rock music fan. The rock band Cosmic Shakedown came onto the scene in late 2010 and will be playing songs from their EP and first full length album, Fake American Dream, which was released last year. The trio Second Trip have a groovy psychedelic rock style and will serve up some extended jams. Ronald Raygun will perhaps be the most unique band of the night as they describe their style as raygun-gothic.

Doors at 9 and $5 to get in.

Tonight, Rochester's Velvet Elvis is playing a special show at the Ninth Ward to celebrate their new full length album In Deep Time with Buffalo's Second Trip and Sleepy Haha's providing opening support. I chatted with one of the dude's in Velvet Elvis a few years back at a Vampire Weekend show in Rochester and I adjudged his rock and roll soul to be true, and Velvet Elvis's heavy duty Black Mountain vibe is sure to please, while blog favorites Sleepy Hahas will be playing cuts from their latest ep I Am Not A Happy Person (reviewed here) and raising the usual hell. It's always a good time when the Rochester and Buffalo scenes collide (ie the 2012 buffaBLOG Holiday Party), and tonight's killer riff fest has all of the ingredients for a memorable night. Doors open at 8 PM and tickets are $10.