Flock of Pigeons

PIGEONHOLED: A couple of years back, during an early afternoon on the Coachella warpath, I stumbled (quite literally) into the middle of one of the strangest—and best—musical experiences of my life. There, barely shaded by the rapidly rising desert sun, a bizarrely dressed fellow named Dan Deacon led a few thousand sweaty minions through a series of laughable group stretches, then proceeded to rock out (from the pit, no less) with more loops, samples, noises, and shout-out-loud vocals than I’ve ever seen anyone throw down to this day. My point? The Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt! reminds me a lot of that day—and they’re bringing their ridiculous brand of exuberant experimentalism to Santa Barbara this week.

If you’re of the open-minded variety, I highly suggest heading up to Isla Vista this Thursday, when the Brooklyn-based collective will return to the Biko Co-Op Garage in support of their recently released debut. With an album title as absurd as their I Love You! I Love You! I Love You and I’m in Love with You! Have an Awesome Day! Have the Best Day of Your Life!, well, what’s not to love? The record is a hyper-speed smashup of sax parts, booming drums, chanting harmonies, and driving synth parts that can best be described as music to high-five to. But even that can’t do justice to The TPDR!’s live show, which is part interactive performance piece, part ruckus-filled dance party. (Think low-budget light shows and sweaty dance-a-longs.) It also stands to mention that the band recently signed with David Byrne’s Luaka Bop Records label, gaining them a whole other level of awesome street cred.

For a true taste of the Terror Pigeon’s shtick, I recommend a short jaunt over to YouTube, where you can check out a whole bevy of vids of the band doing their thang. And if you’re up for an adventure, be sure to head up to Biko (6612 Sueno Rd.) this Thursday, August 5, at 7:30 p.m. for a night full of buoyant experimental indie pop. Openers include Santa Barbarans Kinderbrute, former Santa Barbarans The Mothras, and N.Y.C.’s The Emotron. The show is all-ages, $5 donation at the door. Visit sbdiy.org for info.

DROP THE BOMB: Also this week, the Hard to Find Showspace (7190 Hollister Ave.) plays host to a night of hard-rocking experimentalists, featuring You.May.Die.In.The.Desert, Gifts from Enola, and Beware of Safety. Saturday’s lineup is one of just a few handpicked shows that the Goleta venue is putting on this summer, which leads me to believe that the tunes will be more than worth the drive. Case in point is Enola’s slow-building, neo-psychedelic “Lionized,” off their recently released self-titled album, which breaks down and builds back up by way of some seriously impressive drum and pedal work. Bands start at 8 p.m., and the show is all-ages. For info, visit myspace.com/thehardtofindshowspace.

TIME’S (ALMOST) UP: That’s right, music-makers; we’ve entered the final weeks leading up to The Indy’s 2010 S.B. Band Guide and kickoff for this year’s battle of the bands competition. If you’re still looking to get your band or musical project hooked up, visit independent.com/band_submission, fill out our handy-dandy e-form, send in a pic and an MP3, and you’re all set. By submitting your info, you guarantee yourself not only a spot in our annual rundown of all things music (which hits newsstands Oct. 11) but also a chance to win a bevy of cool musical hookups. (Think pro recording time, career consultation, and a chance to play this fall’s New Noise music festival and conference.) For a all the details, visit independent.com/bands ASAP. All submissions are due no later than Tuesday, August 31.