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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Local lineup offers reggae, indie rock and stand-up

With a host of genres and styles – including reggae, indie rock and stand-up comedy – the coming week’s nightclub lineup has a wide range of offerings.

Here’s a taste of what’s on the menu in the coming days:

Ivan and Alyosha with Champion Birdwatcher, Goodnight Venus

When, where: Tonight at 9 at A Club, 406 1/2 W. Sprague Ave.

Cover: $5 (21 and older only)

Inspired by Dostoyevksy characters from “The Brothers Karamazov,” Ivan and Alyosha play patient, sophisticated indie rock that at first listen might seem unassuming.

But further explorations into the band’s sound reveal well-timed dynamic shifts, fake-outs and build-ups that offer more replay value than might be suggested on the surface. The lyrics possess an equally understated quality and hidden depth.

Rebelution, with Iration and Orgone

When, where: Saturday, 8 p.m., Knitting Factory Concert House

Tickets: $15/advance, $17/day of show, through Ticketfly (877-435-9849, www.ticketfly.com)

Noted for its catchy melodies, socially conscious lyrics and impressive technical ability, Rebelution continues to ride the momentum of its sophomore album, “Bright Side of Life.”

The first release on the band’s own 87 Music label, “Bright Side of Life” picks up where the Santa Barbara reggae outfit left off on its 2007 full-length debut, “Courage to Grow.”

The album builds on positive vibes with encouraging anthems and dense production, blending reggae with hip-hop and rock, framed by psychedelic runs on piano, keys and Hammond B-3 organ, Latin-laced guitar licks, aggressive bass lines and jazz-infused drums.

While touring in support of “Bright Side of Life,” Rebelution has also been playtesting several songs for the band’s forthcoming album, expected to drop this year.

Comedian Jim Jefferies

When, where: Sunday, 7 p.m., Knitting Factory Concert House, 919 W. Sprague Ave.

Tickets: $15/advance, $21/day of show, through Ticketfly

Australian-born comedian Jim Jefferies is, if nothing else at all, a purist.

His no-holds-barred brand of comedy is purely profane, provocative and uncompromising. His infamously inflammatory stand-up act is enraging enough that one audience member went as far as assaulting him on stage.

And Jefferies has taken advantage of the incident, which was caught on video, often incorporating it into his show.

Not for the faint of heart, Jefferies’ potty-mouthed performance has been gaining popularity overseas as well as in the states.

Devildriver with Cancer Bats, Baptized In Blood, Vera Cruz and From Sword to Sunrise

When, where: Monday, 7:30 p.m., Knitting Factory Concert House, 919 W. Sprague Ave.

Tickets: $17, through Ticketfly

More Santa Barbara music comes to town next week with heavy metal band Devildriver.

The quintet’s newest and fifth full-length release, “Beast,” will be unleashed on fans next month. The hype surrounding the album was cited as the main cause when Roadrunner Records’ Web systems crashed week when the album’s first single, “Dead To Rights,” was released for download.

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

When, where: Wednesday, 8 p.m., Knitting Factory Concert House, 919 W. Sprague Ave.

Cost: $17, through Ticketfly

Dripping with soul and drenched in classic rock and roll, the third and self-titled offering from Grace Potter and the Nocturnals has brought the 1970s into the new millennium.

The album has been met with praise from the likes of the New York Times, Rolling Stone and Billboard.com for its no-nonsense craftsmanship and gritty-yet-catchy nuances.