For a decade, the Irving Klaws have been one of Buffalo’s coolest bands. It’s partly their mind-bending mix of Syd Barrett and Roky Erickson-inspired psychedelic madness crossed with pummeling rockabilly, charged-up surf sounds, snotty garage and twisted blooze. The rest is all a credit to guitarist, singer and theremin manipulator Dave Gutierrez and bassist and singer Rob Peltier, and their unflagging vow to make truly unique rock-and-roll music and to always put on a good show. Yes, its the Klaws’ live shows that have earned them their wild reputation, from costumed Halloween affairs to go-go dancing spectaculars to supporting the legendary bands that inspired and instigated them like the Cramps and the Damned. So it’s fitting that they choose to record their first album in six years (and their first since ace drummer Bob Hanley began his membership with the Klaws) as a live one. The band is inviting every mixed-up weirdo, fetish freak, psychedelic dropout and music-loving nutrocker to be a part of what will become a live record scheduled to come out on their label, Pittsburgh’s Get Hip imprint, sometime in 2008. In just two sets the band hopes to stir up enough trouble and noisy mayhem to land you on Santa’s naughty list just for being at the Mohawk Place that night. Knowing the Irving Klaws, it’s bound to be a crazy night, and one we definitely won’t be able to forget, as it will be committed to tape.

A look at rising stars the Dillinger Escape Plan’s MySpace page at the time of writing this piece yielded quotes from fans like “you guys ripped Baltimore in half last night” and “you guys melted my face in Chicago.” For a hard-rocking group like this one, that is the highest form of praise imaginable, and fans of the band’s no holds barred approach to sonic devastation will certainly not be disappointed when the group makes a stop at Club Infinity this week. Also known as DEP, the Dillinger Escape Plan has gotten the attention of critics and listeners alike in the ten years since they joined forces, both for the intensity of the aforementioned “face-melting” shows—which have been known to incorporate fireworks, fire-breathing and other crazy special effects—and the sheer speed and proficiency of the music. Named after famed prohibition-era bank robber John Dillinger, the group has been in the business of stealing the collective ear of the metal community since 1997, when guitarist Ben Weinman melded two semi-successful New Jersey groups to record under the present name. Since the early days of DEP, the boys have compiled an impressive total of 12 albums, with the group’s most recent, Ire Works, released just last month on Relapse Records. They are now one of the most recognizable bands in what’s been labelled the “mathcore” genre. Also playing at Infinity are hardcore Philly bands A Life Once Lost and Ghengis Tron, and the Syracuse-based band Architect.

Deep Thinka Records has teamed up with Buffalo First—an association dedicated to promoting area businesses—to present the ‘Rebel Radio Community Jam,” bringing together local musicans and organizations for a community boosting benefit show. Deep Thinka has been a mainstay of the Buffalo music and social activist scene for ten years now, providing unprecedented support and opportunity for emerging hip-hop talent and fueling the careers of many local performers—as well as artists from Brooklyn and Ohio—during the past decade. The original Rebel Radio was a compilation series that issued two releases before being dropped by the label in 2005. Deep Thinka has brought it back this year with a third installment, taking the concept even further by featuring over 30 artists on one release. Many of those artists will be performing at the “Community Jam,” including Askew Artistry, Constant Climax, Third, Debug, Edreys, Eimag, Fathom, Fresh Guac, It Smells Like Laundry, Keith Concept, Pastime and Pseudo Intellectuals. Veteran DJs Cutler and Optimus Prime (pictured) will provide the glue by manning the wheels of steel, along with special guest and Master of Ceremonies Professor Kush B. Admission is free, but donations of non-perishable food, clothing and school or art supplies will be collected at the door, to benefit Compass House and Child & Family Services’ Haven House. As an added bonus, all participants will get a free copy of the latest Rebel Radio compliation CD.

After being plagued in her early youth by an unfortunate blood disorder, Stacy Clark has made it past the hard times to push her passion through to fruition. Her blend of folksy electronica and alternative rock has already been recognized by industry giant MTV, which featured two of Clark’s songs on its 2007 hit reality series, engaged & underage. Originally from Buffalo, Clark moved to California’s O.C. in 2004 and has since won awards for Best Female Performer at the Orange County Music Awards in 2006 and 2007. She was also nominated this year for Best International Artist by the Toronto Independent International Music Awards. Her latest record, the self-produced Apples & Oranges, was released this November, and the choice of words is a clear demonstration of the love she has for her two hometowns—from New York to California—and the unique influences they’ve had on her music. Clark’s voice is easily comparable to that of Natasha Bedingfield’s, with a soft, girly, sometimes whispery voice, but her music is strong and filled with lyrics from the heart that she’s written herself. Her music is mainly guitars and drums, but a close listen will reveal little pangs of electronica overlaid on all the tracks. Far from distracting, the electronic edge adds an eclectic touch to what might otherwise be just another folk album. Catch Clark back in town for the holidays, where she will be performing with solo acoustic artists Standing Audition and Michael DeSanto.