The exuberance at play with Shogun Barbie is absolutely palpable. Garage rock bands are a dime a dozen in these parts, but the pure, sloppy energy that they bring to the table is nothing to scoff at. The boy/girl shouting stands front and center in each brief, catchy tune. In the middle of all the bratty attitude, Shogun Barbie even manages to toss off really compelling melodies, like on "Yes & No," which finds them dipping into chiming, New Wave guitars. Joining Shogun Barbie at this coffee house show will be the Bismarck, whom I know - from having covered them in the past - are no strangers to exuberant shouting. This is destined to be a crowded, sweaty mess of a show, and I'm sure they (and I) wouldn't have it any other way.

NORTHERN PACIFIC COFFEE COMPANY, W/ THUNDERS OF WRATH, THE BISMARCK, 8 P.M., DONATIONS ACCEPTED, 401 GARFIELD ST. S., TACOMA, 253.537.8338