local bands

Jump on the local indie music bandwagon. Ringleader of the San Francisco duo Two Gallants Adam Stephens has decided to try a solo act and will be giving us a glimpse of his forthcoming debut album for this show at the Rickshaw Stop. The record won't be out until the new year, but judging from the band's four critically-acclaimed releases, we can rest assured that Stephens' newest material won't fall short.

For their last hometown show of 2009, San Francisco's The New Up is joining forces with Loquat, The Cons and more for a night of great Bay Area music on Saturday, November 28 at the Red Devil Lounge. The New Up has a sound that's described as "Metric with a touch of the Rolling Stones, with a front woman with an addictive, classy, lingering voice" (Behind the Hype) and "striking, exotic and brashly coherent indie pop that feel[s] like the sonic equivalent of a thrill ride" (Flagpole).

With the memory of Outside Lands already far behind, we're more than ready for the extensive mix of indie rock, synthpop, dance punk in store at fall's big music festival. This year's Treasure Island lineup is so incredible we can barely contain ourselves. MGMT, Flaming Lips, Girl Talk, MSTRKRFT, The Walkmen, Brazilian Girls, Grizzly Bear, Passion Pit, Thao with The Get Down Stay Down, The Streets and the list just goes on and on. Get your tickets now and then look for us getting wild at the show.

Image: MGMT

Masters of the remix, the beat-making Wallpaper have been hitting it big all summer with their take on Passion Pit, Das Racist and Jay-Z and have been soaring high as one of the hottest sounds on the West Coast. Head to the Regency Center on Black Friday to see the local SF duo with Peaches and Amanda Blank.

Get in the DIY spirit for the second annual Rock Make Street Festival in the Mission. Sample some of the best Bay Area arts, crafts and music over the course of this all-day block party. Buy some goods, listen to tunes and see the local creative community flourish.

Prepare yourselves for an indie rock adventure with local sensation Deerhoof. Boasting melodic beauty juxtaposed with ecstatic noise, the band draws from classical to classic rock, offering the full gamut in the realm of sound. Swooning over Satomi Matsuzaki, guaranteed. Abe Vigoda and Death Sentence: Panda will open.

Dorkfest is calling but don't be alarmed—this is an event you'll definitely want to attend. Deli magazine presents local fave the Heavenly States along with French Miami, Railcars, 60 Watt Kid, Anderson Congress and Vitiligo. It's time to get down and dorky.

Let your mind run wild with a little dream pop by SF-based Astral. The band's deep rooted influences in Joy Division and My Bloody Valentine is proven by their full-length debut Orchids. Close your eyes and let Dave Han's whispering vocals wash over you.