A+E

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• Photo by Jesse Marshall

It's going to be a night of intricate low-fi rock exploding into artful blasts of pop splendor at The Outer Space, when Los Angeles and ANTI- Records' own Girlpool turn on the bright lights. Supported by the likeminded — though noisier — Special Explosion from Seattle and local queer punk kids Slop this show starts at 6:30 p.m. but I would get there earlier because the buzz hitting my ears suggests this one's gonna sell out ($10).

If the above likely scenario does occur and you still find yourself fiending for a fantastic Arcata show, might I suggest a free soiree at the Griffin tonight at 9 p.m.? Accordion/washboard/guitar and tambourine two-piece Cats Meow play a folk-tinged alternative country set that travels just as good by sea or land. Dead Bird Sons shuffles out some bluegrass tunes, too. Is there a connection between a griffin, a cat's meow and some dead bird sons? I dunno, ask the players yourself.