HOT TICKET

Japanese noise-punk band Melt-Banana is not the kind of band to elicit a “meh” response from its listeners. It will either liberate your inner pain in one screamy, cathartic blast or seem cruel by Guantanamo standards. Divisive as the trio is, either way they’re undeniably sharp and tight. Lead singer Yasuko O. speeds through her ear-piercing yelps with freakish precision and impressive stamina. Some songs last only seconds.

All of this frenetic noise works best live, anyway, not in short recorded bursts on iPod earbuds, and Melt-Banana is renowned for its live performances. They’re playing Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 8:30 p.m. at the High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave.

United Sons of Toil and Dick the Bruiser open. Cover is $12 in advance at high-noon.com and at the door. 21+

Charles Walker Band

Friday, Nov. 27, 9 p.m.

Brink Lounge, 701 E. Washington Ave.

This Milwaukee-Madison band is celebrating the release of a new album, “Used and Defiant.” Led by tenor saxophonist Charles Walker, the five-piece massages funk and rock into traditional Chicago, Delta and Texas blues. Cover is $5. 21+

No Kill I, The Shrunken Heads

Saturday, Nov. 28, 7 p.m.

Barrymore Theatre, 2090 Atwood Ave.

A couple of local bands are playing this benefit for Gilda’s Club, a non-profit that provides social and emotional support for cancer patients, their families and friends. No Kill I covers ’80s hits and The Shrunken Heads play rock-funk fusion. No cover charge, but donations encouraged. All proceeds go to Gilda’s Club. All ages.

Grooms

Saturday, Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m.

Project Lodge, 817 E. Johnson St.

Brooklyn trio Grooms gallop and hiccup along jumpy guitar lines and plunk down big open bass lines, sounding very alt-rock radio circa 1994 and good for a bunch of loosey-goosey thrashing about and jumping around. Or standing stoically with arms crossed, but of course that’s guaranteed less fun. Local duo Lasco Stroud open. Cover is $7. All ages.

The Clyde Stubblefield Show, Soul Shaker

Saturday, Nov. 28, 9 p.m.

Inferno, 1718 Commercial Ave.

“Funkified attire appreciated but not required” on this night of soul, rock and blues, featuring Karri Daley, Charlie Brooks and the rest of drummer Clyde Stubblefield’s regular Funky Mondays crew. What with family stress and Black Friday shopping fatigue, this week could use a double dose of funk, anyway. Opening are local rock ‘n’ rollers Soul Shaker, a blues band in the vein of the Black Crowes. 21+

We Are the Willows

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 8 p.m.

Project Lodge, 817 E. Johnson Ave.

Eau Claire-born singer-songwriter Peter Miller writes vulnerable and introspective songs for his solo venture, We Are the Willows. On his recent album “A Collection of Sounds and Something Like the Plague,” he fills out the songs with found sounds he collected on a tape recorder, giving his wispy and high-pitched voice a bed of atmospheric and lo-fi warmth. Cover is $7. All ages.

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