BeatBox

!!!is the rare and thoughtful band that leaves the pronunciation of its name up to the individual (with a suggestion of "chick-chick-chick"). Having garnered international attention last year with the single "Me & Giuliani Down by the School Yard," the Sacramento group releases its hotly anticipated full-length Louden Up Now in June. Live, the band is eight members strong, wreaking more havoc than most anyone currently exploring the strange but trendy musical hybrid that is dance-punk. Expect to hear highlights from Louden Up Now, which promises to be that much more oddball than !!!'s self-titled debut thanks to the production help of Maurice Fulton, a quirky and incredibly creative techno artist. The band will be joined by LCD Soundsystem, a group featuring !!! guitarist/keyboardist Tyler Pope, on Thursday, April 29, at 9 p.m. at the Independent, 628 Divisadero (at Hayes), S.F. DJ Omar and the Finger open. Tickets are $16; call 771-1421 or go to www.theindependentsf.com.
-- Tamara Palmer

Belgium's 2 Many DJ'sis best known for legitimizing "mash-ups" -- those computer-constructed tracks that blend two different tunes and genres -- with the duo's officially sanctioned 2002 release, As Heard on Radio Soulwax, Pt. 2. But the two brothers' true genius lies in their live performances, in which they uncover giddy pop-cultural obscurities like Hanayo's breathy Asian pop tune "Joe Le Taxi" and revive archaic hits such as Ready for the World's Princeadelic '80s track "Oh Sheila." Best of all, the pair recognizes a need for a sonically borderless dance party, where the anarchic grind of the Stooges blends with the raunchy rap of Salt 'n Pepa and the breezy electro of Röyksopp melds with Dolly Parton's "9 to 5." 2 Many DJ's visits the Bay Area for the first time, spinning with LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy on Friday, April 30, at 10 p.m. at Mezzanine, 444 Jessie (at Mint), S.F. Tickets are $9.99; call 820-9669 or go to www.blasthaus.com.
-- Dan Strachota