This Fort Worth new wave-influenced group just made its big-screen debut, performing in the teen musical comedy Bandslam. So things are definitely looking up. You'll hear the new single "Austin's Birthday," among others, at this House of Blues show.

Details: With the Black and White Years and Dovetail, Sunday at 8 p.m. at House of Blues,

2200 N. Lamar St. $10. 214-978-2583. houseofblues.com.

All Good Cafe is one of the best places to see this Dallas band. You can sit and listen intently to the thoughtful lyrics of its tempered alt-country tunes. The band will share a bill with LA's Austin Hartley-Leonard.

Details: Thursday at 8 p.m. at All Good Cafe, 2934 Main St. $5. allgoodcafe.com.

This country group is based in Denton, but it's become nationally known for its songs about small-town living and loving. It plays a hometown show on the big stage at the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo.

Details: Thursday at 9:30 p.m. at the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo, 2217 N. Carroll Blvd., Denton.

Find info about tickets and other acts at northtexasstatefair.com.

Former members of Pegasus Now, Max Cady and Until They Arrive are doing the metal thing right in their new band. If you're sick of seeing sloppy hard-rock bands that don't practice enough, this show should provide a nice change of pace.

Details: With Phantom Rockers and Pusher, Saturday at 9 p.m. at Lakewood Bar and Grill,

6340 Gaston Ave. $10. 214-826-3888. lbgdallas.com.

Experimenting with new sounds is what this electronic-ambient duo from Denton does best, so expect to be challenged a bit in concert. Same goes for the other bands on this bill, during Rubber Gloves' "free week."

Details: With Zanzibar Snails, Lychgate and Nervous Curtains, Wednesday at

9 p.m. at Rubber Gloves,

411 E. Sycamore St., Denton. No cover. 940-387-7781. rubberglovesdentontx.com. {TriRight}

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