Hammer’s pix

It’s another frantic, fun-filled week for the live music scene of Indianapolis. Besides Prince, Clutch and the kitsch of Tiffany, there’s plenty of great music to be had at local venues.

Radio Radio, which consistently brings us sophisticated, challenging shows, has the red carpet out for two great shows this weekend. On Friday, Pilot to Gunner will perform. This New York City-based band serves up a blend of postmodern punky music that has all the critics hopping. And with their apocalyptic guitar-heavy anthems, it’s no wonder. Alternative Press says they’re “the band to watch.” Do it.

On Saturday, Radio Radio welcomes Tobin Sprout of Guided By Voices. In the opening slot will be Indiana’s own brooding pop-rockers, Brando. On Monday, April 12, it’ll be Australia’s Sodastream, Burd Early and The Strugglers. This is yet another excellent show.

Speaking of excellent shows, the one at the Emerson Theater Friday sure looks like one. It’s The Cadavers, The Vladimirs, The Lurking Corpses and Teenage Suicide. The Cadavers are a writhing mass of punk energy on stage, led by the notorious Dru Cadaver. If you’re looking for some good old horrorcore punk, this is the show.

On Saturday, the Em serves up a pop-punk/emo show with Distill, Ludo, Sonicate and Take Sides.

It’s a busy week for our friends over at Birdy’s. On Friday night, prepare for some heavy music when Mantis holds its CD release party with friends Oblique, Devil To Pay, Hellwinkle and Graves of the Endless Fall. On Saturday night, it’s Jen Christy’s Paradox, Great Scott, Chad Mills and The Important Beatles.

Monday brings another edition of Birdy’s Acoustic Open Stage, hosted by Chris Foster. On Tuesday, it’s John Ondrasik (of Five For Fighting).

On Wednesday night, the Melody Inn will feature two shows. The 6 p.m. show will have Vencibus Eruptum, Melk the G6-49, Gogglesphere and Junekill Ward. At 10 p.m., another show follows with the Athens, Ga., band Phosphorescent, Little Voice and In Stitches. Thursday’s show will feature America Owns The Moon, The Coke Dares and The Horribly Wrong.

On Friday night, the Mel will have their weekly Hellbilly Happy Hour from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. featuring Tony & Mike Stilts, the Polyester Starfish and Scott Jarman. At 10 p.m., it’s the Hypnotic Velvet Propellers, ATP and Chester. Saturday’s Punk Rock Night show will feature Swampass, The Midnight Creeps and North of Grand. And the Devil’s Night Out Sunday show will feature The Common, Dirt Bike Annie and The Safes.

The Patio also has some interesting shows booked this week. On Wednesday night, seven groups will fight it out in the weekly battle. Thursday brings the Twilight Singers. On Friday, it’s Sleepy Jackson.

No more room for shows. Have a nice week.