M. Bison ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

Realistically, I doubt any of you are going to take my advice and pitch a tent outside the 2-Bit Saloon. Too much rock and roll for your heart to handle? That’s fine. I’ll pretend to understand. Luckily for you there’s a bevy of acts that you can use as legitimate excuses to my unrealistic demands. Gentle reader, you may have won the battle, but the war is far from over.

The Author Dancing to What What Now ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

What What Now - A punk band that does not know the meaning of distortion, how could this be? Someone get Bill Nye in here. Good, captivating songwriting, with lyrics you can relate to at times. This band is playing Reverbfest because they bring the baked goods live. Believe me, it has nothing to do with the fact that there’s an incredibly attractive man on the inside of their record (that would be me). You like your mom’s chocolate chip cookies? I give you the sonic equivalent, What What Now’s “Right Angle.” Are you into Blueberry Muffins? Listen to “Tired Head.” Do you like Pumpkin Scones? E-mail me, I’ve got a good recipe. (Salmon Bay Eagles All Ages 8pm)

The Low Hums ::: photo by Josh Lovseth

Low Hums – I literally stumbled onto this band in a drunken fashion at Cafe Racer many moons ago and have been a fan ever since. It’s weird that our casual introduction went so well considering the state of mind I was in. Low Hums are not a beer swilling soundtrack. In fact the only their sound has to do with bars if you want to space out and ignore the person next to you. What? I can’t hear you complaining about how the Everett Silvertips don’t read enough Machiavelli during their intermissions. No, I don’t think that would make the line changes go smoother. I’m a lizard sunning myself on a rock in the desert and there are birds of prey circling overhead. God help me. (the Sunset 7pm)

See the rest of Phil’s Reverb recommendations …

Ravenna Woods ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

Ravenna Woods – Have you ever seen a Venus Flytrap feed? It’s a fascinating experience. It’s somewhat comparable to watching a snake feed on a rat only totally different. Let me explain why I’m using these incredibly unfortunate animal kingdom analogies and how they relate to this band. Gentle reader, you unbeknowingly are the insect in this affair. You’re buzzing around Seattle, hearing things about this band as you fly about. You ignore it. You’re a bug and your life is short. “I’ve got shit to eat, literally.” is all you can think about. Suddenly you find yourself in Ballard at the Tractor on a Saturday night. Trying to get your fill of whatever human blood is available. Suddenly the music starts and you’re going nowhere. Ravenna Woods has got you. I’ve seen this happen time and time again this year. (the Tractor 11pm)

M. Bison ::: photo by Josh Lovseth

M. Bison - The existence of this band puzzles me at times. Without question, they have the best band name in Seattle. If you can’t understand that, you don’t understand anything. How can a band with such a good band name be so underrated? In this day and age, not many bands write pop songs that are unpredictable and sound good at the same time. I can give you a list of bands that write pop songs that sound good…good and boring. “Yeah this song is great! I really like the chorus where they say “Dooo Dooo Dooo” and whistle a lot. Americano, 185 degrees please!” Shutup. Go finish art school. Before you graduate, become a fan of M. Bison. You’ll thank me later. (Salmon Bay Eagles 21+)

The Young Evils – Remember how I was going to give you a list of bands that write pop songs that sound good and boring?  This band wouldn’t be on that list either. *innocent whistling* How many of you have ever tried to whore out a single friend to the wolves? “She’s cute, I swear. I’d totally date her.” Nobody mentions that the only circumstance in which you can date her is if she were the lone contestant during a speed dating trial and Jabba the Hutt’s Rancor is playing the role of “gracious host.” Needless to say, you don’t have much time to make a romantic connection. Sometimes cute does you no good. The Young Evils are kind of like that. (the Tractor 10pm)

Victor Shade ::: photo by Josh Lovseth

Victor Shade - It’s taken me a while but Seattle hip-hop has started to grow on me. When I first arrived here and heard about the blooming Emerald City hip-hop scene, I snickered a bit. “Hip-Hop? Seattle? That’s the equivalent of Bluegrass in the heart of Detroit. Wishful thinking?” There are signs of life in these parts, there’s no denying that. Victor Shade is one of those vital signs. Those familiar with Common Market are already aware of this. (NY Fashion Academy 11pm)

Wild Orchid Children - If you could somehow transform all the sensations you felt as a kid when the circus came to town into a live experience, this is what mine would sound like. High-wire musicianship, a rhthym section reminiscent of fire dancers, spotlights, breathtaking stunts, cotton candy and flashbulbs. Unless your childhood circus experience was like this, I would venture to the Tractor and let Wild Orchid Children overwhelm your senses. (the Tractor 12am)