FISHTANK ENSEMBLE

Thursday, Aug. 6

The Eastside Club in Olympia is on a musical roll. It’s been a hot spot for seriously talented, seriously diverse musicians. Reggae, rock, punk, blues — you name it. This week’s highlight is a group out of L.A. called Fishtank Ensemble. Having recently hit the road on a six month, cross-country tour, the band brings a taste of something different to Oly this week. With layers of worldly influence, this four-piece wows their audience with a weaving of sounds induced from such instruments as musical saws, violins, accordions and the slap bass. Top it off with flesh-raising vocals and a lively performance, and this assembly can’t be beat. Fishtank’s music seems to be derived from the mesmerizing canals of Italy, the ancient hills of Japan, the wild celebrations of Gypsies and the radios of young Americans. So even if you haven’t traveled this summer, you can see this group and at least feel like you have. — Nikki Talotta

[The Eastside Club, with Erev Ravs, 9 p.m., $5, 410 Fourth Ave., Olympia, 360.357.9985]

ZOOK

Thursday, Aug. 6

I need a beer. My head hurts. This sun is f-ing ridiculous. I hate the man. I hate everything. I hate my shoes. I need a beer. Never mind that it will probably lead to my death by dehydration. Never mind that it’ll probably make my skull implode. I need a beer. I also need some good, old-fashioned, blue-collar-rage music. Something with a lot of double bass pounding, down-tuned guitars, a wicked groove and bass that will make my teeth hurt. Some stoner metal that won’t make me think too hard. Some stoner metal that siphons all the rage that’s bubbled up in this heat, and channels it into a searing blast of pile-driving, head-thrashing sound vomit. And a beer. Thank old man winter for Carl Zook. Because I think he has what I need. He’s got a new band, appropriately named Zook, and enough dirty sound to heal me.  — Paul Schrag

[Hell’s Kitchen, with Mico De Noche, 9 p.m., $5, 3829 Sixth Ave., Tacoma 253.759.6003]

PARIS SPLEEN

Friday, Aug. 7

Paris Spleen is easily one of my favorite Tacoma bands. Never mind the fact they sometimes get overlooked in a crowd rife with indie talent — bands like the Nightgowns, The Drug Purse, Makeup Monsters, Motopony, etc. — this is one retro rock outfit worth the hangover, rug-burned knees and blown eardrums. Also, never mind the fact that most of the dudes that play in all those bands I just mentioned ALSO play in Paris Spleen. Or close to it, anyway. That’s just one of the beautiful things about Tacoma. On Friday, Paris Spleen will be bringing the dirty fingernails indie rock to O’Malley’s on Sixth Ave. — offering songs from the forthcoming Like Love EP that’s scheduled to be officially released in late September or early October. Those interested will have a chance to buy one of 30 available advance copies at the show — plus I hear it’s a going away party for Liz, who’s moving to Korea. Seriously — what more do you need? O’Malley’s also serves one hell of a cheeseburger, if that puts you over the edge. — Matt Driscoll

[O’Malley’s, 9 p.m., free, 2403 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.3144]

THE SPITTIN’ COBRAS

Saturday, Aug. 8

You know that feeling you get when “Ace of Spades” comes on the radio at 3 a.m. after you’ve been drinking whiskey, smoking Camels and getting tortured by a ruthlessly-strong, 90-year-old Asian man who’s hooked your nipples up to a car battery and doused you in old bath water? OK, probably not. But you can experience the next best thing: The Spittin’ Cobras. No joke, no question — The Spittin’ Cobras are everything that rock ‘n’ roll’s been missing for 20 years. Comprising members of KMFDM, The Dwarves and Murdock, this new metal machine spews atomic rage; riding murderous, grinding guitar by Jules Hodgson (KMFDM), mega-blast beats by Andy Selway (KMFDM, The Dwarves, Genotorturers), and plain mean-ass bass from Jake Hagan. Add the concrete-chipping voice of frontman Alx, and you’ve got the rebirth of Rock. These guys play fast, hard, and wreck grooves like nothing I’ve heard in recent memory. Check it. — PS

[Hell’s Kitchen, with Guns & Rosetti, Philo Beddoe, Psycho 78, All Bets on Death, 9pm, $5, 3829 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003]