EVERYTHING’S BIGGER IN VELTEXAS: Look no further than SOhO on Thursday, August 9, when Isla Vista’s Veltexans will take no prisoners with new material from their debut album, Everything’s the Matter, released on August 7. Hailing originally from the action-packed lands of Idaho, the trio only recently made the move to Santa Barbara, leaving behind their residency at one of the biggest clubs in the state. Tight, punchy rhythms, searing guitars, and soaring melodies are the backbone of this band, while their lyrics cover a range of inspirations. Don’t miss the welcoming party for these explosive young fellows. -Levi Michaels
PRESS F6: If you’re downtown on August 9 and happen to hear some voracious punk anthems in the distance, follow your ears to the doors of Rocks to find Floater Six atop the stage. Floater Six has been an incumbent in the local punk scene since its inception in Ventura in 2003. The band recently embarked on a West Coast tour that will bring it to our own S.B. backyard. It’s the next best thing to Bad Religion, and it’s playing here only once. The show costs $7, but missing it will cost you much more. – LM
PELICAN BRIEF: Determined to close out summer with a bang, Club Mercy brings yet another amazing band to the Velvet Jones stage. On Saturday, August 11, instrumentalists Pelican will no doubt rock the house. The band, originally hailing from Chicago, embodies the metal ‘tude of the Windy City’s metal scene, while still managing to craft meandering, elegant arrangements. Bands Clouds and Gargantula open the show. Tickets are $14 and can be purchased at clubmercy.com. -Aly Comingore
GRRRRL POWER: If you pine for the days when Gwen Stefani still rocked, head on over to SOhO on Friday, August 10, for a dose of old school Orange County. No Duh hits the stage with Blondie tribute band In the Flesh for a spot-on set that’s jam-packed with No Doubt tracks from albums like Tragic Kingdom, Return of Saturn, and the dance hall-tinged Rock Steady. Meanwhile, In the Flesh-known as America’s number-one Blondie tribute outfit-brings classics like “Heart of Glass” and “Call Me” to life. These leading ladies look and sound so much like their ¼ber-famous counterparts, it’s almost scary. The show starts at 9:30 p.m. and tickets are $10. – AC
HOLE IN THE WALL GANG: It may be summer in I.V., but that hasn’t stopped in the Biko Garage from playing host to a slew of awesome unsigned acts. On Friday, August 10, the Washington-bred Sundance Kids take the stage with opening act Ketman. Known for its lo-fi, warblings, the Sundance Kids bring with them a style and sound that is as adorable as it is deep. The show starts at 8 p.m. and the Biko Garage is located at 6612 Sueno Road, Isla Vista. – AC
PUNK ROCK PARTY: For those not well-versed in the workings of the music scene in Isla Vista, head on over to The Pink Mailbox to get an idea of what you’ve been missing. The Pink Mailbox will host The Unit Breed, a psychedelic punk band all the way from Portland, Oregon. Formed in 1998, The Unit Breed has been shuffling members to get their hard, screaming, solid punk sound to the point of perfection. The Texan band Sparkel Motion will be playing as well, to shed a dark punk style on the evening. Sparkel Motion’s pure commitment to classic old-school punk rock succeeds in reminding listeners that real punk does still exist. Also playing are Santa Barbara’s own No Man’s Land. Between the three, attendees will get that refreshing dose of ingenuity that only such talented indie bands can provide. Come check it out Tuesday, August 14, at 8 p.m. at the Pink Mailbox, 6668 Pasado Road, Unit B. – Stephanie Flint