If the new year has given you the itch to seek out new artistic territory, you should direct your attention towards the local REPLICANT series. REPLICANT has been hosting events in San Francisco and Oakland since June of last year, at venues such as The Lab, Elbo Room, and The Night Light. Showcasing the latest in industrial, post-punk, ambient, experimental, goth and black metal music, each installment of REPLICANT aims to open our eyes and ears to something new and exciting.

Blurring the boundaries between “performative art” and underground music, REPLICANT has introduced the Bay Area to genre-shattering artists like Pharmakon, Marshstepper, Wreck & Reference, and Pop. 1280. The series is curated by resident DJ’s Kerri Lebon (Red Light) and Sky Madden (Chasms).

Now emerging from its holiday hibernation, REPLICANT returns to The Night Light in Oakland tonight with Bad News, Names, and Br-ooks, plus guest DJ Jess Labrador (Chasms) and visuals by ICPCP. Bad News is the project of Sarah Bernat and Alex Lukas, and is widely regarded as the Bay Area’s most exciting electronic “noise” act to have surfaced in 2013. With a bill rounded out by Gerritt Wittmer and Jesse Jackson of Names, and a new electronic project from Josh Brooks (Br-ooks), Friday night at The Night Light is an exciting East Bay experience not to be overlooked. Greer McGettrick, formerly of The Mallard, has teased us with talk of a surprise appearance (but you didn’t hear that from me).

REPLICANT has also announced two upcoming shows for February. The series returns to Elbo Room in San Francisco on February 5 with performances by Emotional (featured on my Most Overlooked Bay Area Releases of 2013 list), Zanna Nera, Sophie Ginou, and guest DJ Rachel Aiello. Brian Wakefield of Melted Toys is appearing at REPLICANT for the first time with a full band supporting his Emotional lo-fi pop project.

There will also be a special Valentine’s Day event at The Night Light in Oakland on February 14 featuring Ensemble Economique and a unique solo performance from Sir Hether Fortune of Wax Idols, plus Vestals and a DJ set from Barn Owl. Expect more on this show to come.

Bad News, Names, Br-ooks
The Night Light
January 17, 2014
9pm, $7 (21+)

Emotional, Zanna Nera, Sophie Ginou
Elbo Room
February 5, 2014
9pm, $5 (21+)

Ensemble Economique, Sir Hether Fortune, Vestals
The Night Light
February 14, 2104
9pm, $7 (21+)