The twenty-second iteration of Noise Pop runs from February 25 through March 2, and features a slate of shows chock full of some of the best local and out-of-town independent acts playing in venues all around the City by the Bay. As in previous years, there will be a series of free happy hour shows at Bender’s Bar, and we are pleased to announce that The Bay Bridged is returning to host yet another Noise Pop Happy Hour on Friday, February 28. The show will feature three of our favorite, young local acts.

About the bands:

San Francisco’s Future Twin wrapped the recording of their debut full-length last fall, and hopefully the album – presumably replete with more of the band’s self-described “punkadelic farmageddon moongayz” sound – will see the light of day early in 2014. They recently added Tyson Vogel (of Two Gallants fame) as their touring drummer, because original drummer and guitar player Antonio Roman-Alcalá is taking an extended break from playing music, so expect to see some masterful work at the kit behind frontwoman Jean Jeanie and the rest of Future Twin. Check out their 2012 track “Getting Theoretical”, below.

Burgeoning power pop masters Cocktails, led by singer and guitarist Patrick Clos, had an eventful 2013, releasing their self-titled EP on Father/Daughter last February and then their “Friday” 7-inch on Grazer Records back in December. The sound is tight – anything but the “slop pop” they describe it as. “Friday” is paced by an undeniable rhythm before the track’s hook grabs hold of the listener, making them yearn for the weekend. Listen to the track below.

Fellow City denizens Blood Sister – formed by members of Night Manager, Ganglians, and Warm Soda – self-released their debut EP ‡ last March. Listen to the album below, in all of its “shoegazey, distortion-laden DIY punk” glory (as we described it last year).