We’ve been fortunate to announce yet another all-ages show series emerging this week, the bi-monthly Strange Dogs. Backed by the SF band Weekend, Strange Dogs aims to create bills based on bands’ similarities, and Sunday evening’s grouping I’d guess was chosen by alliteration, possibly on the theme S is for shoegaze — with Speculator (LA), Swanifant (Oakland), Skeletal System and Psychic Handbook at SUB-Mission (6pm, $5).

[audio:https://www.thebaybridged.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Swanifant-steps.mp3] Swanifant – “Steps”

For Strange Dog 1, expect a range of dark wave, shoegaze and more paradoxical styling from Bay Area bands we’re curious to hear more from. Oakland’s Swanifant seemingly has yet to bring their live rampage out of the domestic arena. But for a preview, a long list of free downloads are posted via their Last.Fm radio station. By a brief survey, Swanifant stretches from over-pedaled noise to hum-songs fit for a campfire.

[audio:https://www.thebaybridged.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/02-Dialogue.mp3] Skeletal System – “Dialogue”