Youth and Beauty Brigade

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GROWN-UP ANGELS: When the pop-punk bubble that once dominated TRL and the stereos of countless wannabe skaters finally burst a few years back, its former stars were left with ample fame and loads of cash from which to spawn new, “mature” bands that were free of the faux punk stylings of their previous endeavors. In 2005, former Blink-182 frontman Tom DeLonge formed the San Diego-based pop-rock outfit Angels and Airwaves, which has since released two full-length albums and climbed the iTunes sales chart. However, in place of Blink’s winking self-deprecation and catchy irreverence are trite lyrics sung in DeLonge’s trademark punk whine and backed by repetitive, arena-ready melodies that aspire to be a pop culture tour de force on par with, say, the Police. Unfortunately, Mr. DeLonge, you are no Sting. Nonetheless, those who grew up on Blink and bands like it will delight in its former star’s newfound maturity and broader range of influences. You can catch Angels and Airwaves when they stop by the Majestic Ventura Theatre (26 S. Chestnut St.) on Tuesday, March 11, at 7 p.m. Call 653-0721 or visit venturatheater.net for details. — Joel Aurora

t.A.T.u.

GIRL POWER: Russian pop stars t.A.T.u. are pretty much the closest thing to a real-life male fantasy cliché. According to their Web site, “fierce brunette Julia Volkova and sprightly redhead Lena Katina are Eastern Europe’s most popular musical exports.” Fierceness, sprightliness, and perceived popularity aside, one thing is certain: t.A.T.u.’s last U.S. performance at the 2003 MTV Music Awards will go down in history as one the network’s most notably newsworthy moments. Apparently, singing “All the Things She Said” amidst a gaggle of girls making out en masse is a vastly underrated career move, since the dynamic duo’s debut album, 200 km/h in the Wrong Lane, went on to sell more than 5 million copies. Since then, the lovely ladies have been keeping a relatively low profile, and Volkova even took some time off to have a baby. But now the girls are finally coming back to the States — specifically, to UCSB — just three short years after the release of their most recent album, Dangerous and Moving. Although details of their March 6 concert could not be confirmed at press time, we encourage you to visit tatu.ru/en for details. — Mollie Vandor

RHYTHM OF THE NIGHT: Forget about the Buena Vista Social Club — Somos Son will satisfy that special craving for Cuban rhythms and the kind of salsa that doesn’t come with your burrito. Despite being a Central Coast band, Somos Son is comprised of nine Latin-music veterans with a huge variety of touring experience. Vocalist Jose Elizarraraz just returned from his own tour in China, trumpeter Barry Nitikman served as lead composer for an international circus, and almost every other member of the group has toured extensively throughout the United States. Whenever and wherever they get together as a group, their scintillating sound and classical Cuban percussion are sure to follow. Come check out this eclectic group of musicians at SOhO (1221 State St.) on Friday, March 7, at 9:30 p.m. And don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes. Visit sohosb.com or call 962-7776 for details. — Tyler Vickers

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY: With drums, flutes, vocals, and other instruments, the West African-, Cuban-, and Brazilian-themed ensemble Panzumo joins dancer Kristin Hoye for an evening of joyful movement. At a club, we may feel inhibited, but when the yoga studio clears out, the ecstasy can begin —especially since Hoye has a particular talent for leading large groups and inspiring others to dance. Even if you’ve never gotten your groove on before, feel hesitant about entering a yoga studio, or don’t know one drum from another, Hoye and Panzumo are sure to make you feel comfortable. Check them out Saturday, March 8, at 7:30 p.m. at Yoga Soup (28 Parker Way). Call 965-8811 or visit .yogasoup.comfor details.  — Felicia M. Tomasko

UPRIGHT CITIZENS: On any given Thursday night, Santa Barbara unfurls and a hidden army of attractive coeds scatter across our streets. Being a city on the water, we only half encompass the glitz of big-city nightlife, but once all is said and done, and the nightly battles are replaced by a reticent dawn, Santa Barbara rolls back on its aged haunches for another day of peace, relaxation, and responsibility. Providing a sonorous background to our waged war against time’s passing, hail native sons the Youth and Beauty Brigade. YBB layer amorous sounds and haunting vocals that resemble the Killers, Razorlight, or Muse, but with the tragedy of Joy Division, a gritty ’90s grunge film, and enough lo-fi to substantiate the middle-age angst and lower class self-righteousness we all seem to be suffering from. Taking their name, but not much else, from the Decemberists, YBB’s sexy subtlety and stylish blue-collar appeal provides a far less pretentious — and much more definitive — cry from the battlefield of our young-at-heart city. YBB is joined by Goodbye Elliot on Monday, March 10, at the Velvet Jones (423 State St.). Visit myspace.com/theYBB, or call 965-8676 for more information.    — Jessica Hilo

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