Though most of the city is still buried away underneath layers upon layers of rain, let the Firkin Tavern shelter you in the most captivating way this Friday night: through rock 'n roll. A Happy Death is celebrating their album release amongst fellow psych rockers Mister Tang and Cambrian Explosion. The new release, entitled Introducing: A Happy Death, welcomes you into their universe full of polite aggression. The manners only go as far as proper introductions, as their sound never gives way for bowing or waiting for someone else's turn. It sweeps you away on a provoking ride. 

If you’ve been at all active in Portland’s garage rock scene over the past couple of years you’ve probably come into contact with a volatile act that goes by the name of A Happy Death. Since they first appeared in town they’ve transformed their dissonant and explosive songs into refined movements founded by a tight core beneath their chaotic presentation. These guys (and gal) have proven to be one of the most hard-working bands in town, gigging relentlessly and embarking on multiple national tours. It’s in the midst of such a tour with Cadaver Dogs that A Happy Death find themselves playing a hometown show at Kelly’s Olympian, with a much anticipated debut full length LP on the horizon and a brand new single that’s on a tour of its own online. Listen to the new single, “Wet Dreams” below and be sure to get to the show tomorrow night. You’ll be glad you did. - Benjamin Toledo

The Deli Portland will be back at the Mt. Tabor Theater this Friday to host a night of outstanding local music. This month the kinetic haze of The Hugs will be rocking the concert hall with A Happy Death’s riotous garage rock and Father Figure’s anthemic indie rock ballads. In the lounge, Mars Water will be delivering an otherworldy performance alongside Mufassa’s psychedelic tones and Bath Party’s dynamic spin on the surf rock genre. The show starts at 9pm sharp, be there to experience some of the most delectable music Portland has to offer for the low price of five dollars.  

A Happy Death’s relentless gigging, unrestrained energy and vintage style has catapulted them through the past year and brought them some well-deserved attention in the Portland scene. Their songs are both catchy and chaotic; their style dark and riotous with a touch of noir. Keep an eye on these guys, their psychedelic sounds aren’t showing any signs of slowing down in 2013. – Benjamin Toledo

That’s right folks, the apocalypse is upon us. This weekend we can expect everything from massive earthquakes and nuclear explosions to reptilian aliens returning to earth to enslave the human race… can you think of a better reason to party? Friday night at Mt. Tabor Theater you can dance away those Armageddon blues with some of the finest local acts Portland has to offer, featuring the hazy garage rock of The We Shared Milk, the electrifying power rock of The Autonomics, the manic psychedelia of A Happy Death and the sludgy rock noir of Lydian Gray. Once you’ve stocked up on bottled water and canned food, get down to Hawthorne to rock out like there’s no tomorrow (because there might not be). - Benjamin Toledo