thursday31
Able Baker Fox, Felix Culpa Beat Kitchen, 9 PM
Flosstradamus, Million Dollar Mano The Underground, 9 PM
cHOT WATER MUSIC Hot Water Music tattoos are probably one of the most popular band-related body mods in America, up there with the Black Flag bars, the little Pearl Jam guy, and anything to do with the Grateful Dead. HWM have a really well-designed logo, which is surely part of it. But more important they’re still the reigning kings of melodic, emotional hardcore—even though they officially disbanded almost two years ago—and melodic, emotional hardcore is just the sort of music to make you feel like doing something sentimental and irreversible. The band’s best records (like Fuel for the Hate Game and No Division) nail a tricky combination of monster hooks, aggressive chops, and soul-stirring passion, and if you’ve got one playing it can make almost any situation—getting dumped, hanging out with your friends, driving to the grocery store—feel epic. HWM were basically on the road the entire decade they were together, but this reunion tour—promoting the new odds-and-sods collection Till the Wheels Fall Off (No Idea)—is painfully short, and both Chicago shows sold out months ago. Lucero and Hifi Handgrenades open; see also Saturday. HWM singer Chuck Ragan also plays solo at Schubas; see Thursday. 8 PM, Metro, 3730 N. Clark, 773-549-0203, sold out, 18+. —Miles Raymer
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Elliot Eastwick Smart Bar, 10 PM
Raul Midon Abbey Pub, 9 PM
