Wed. Jan. 31

Occasionally, we'll check out a band based on its name or its CD's title. Such is the case with New York's The Press. Dull name, but their disc is called "Noxious Saucy Beast," so there you go. Dip into it and you'll find the brash, the bold and the melancholic. They're joined at the Middle East Upstairs Wednesday Jan. 31 by Killer Canary, a high-energy Boston alt-rock band where drummer Zak Andree handles most of the lead voice and songwriting chores. Joshua English, most recently of the Boston pop trio Six Going on Seven, is second on the bill and credits his inspirations thus: Raymond Carver novels and oceans' worth of black coffee. Muy Cansado, a alt-rock trio from these parts, like to sprinkle their songs with sarcasm and sex. Tucker Mayer opens up at 9 p.m. Tickets: $9. (In photo: The Press.)

472 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-864-3278 mideastclub.org