How many anarchist punk bands from Gainesville, Florida, actually get better with age? The only one that matters thus far certainly has. Worthy heirs to Bad Religion if not The Clash, Against Me! have always curlicued their snarl with a knowing smirk—“Cliché Guevara” is a song title from back in 2003. But this year’s New Wave, their major-label debut adorned with big-time producer Butch Vig (of Nirvana’s Nevermind fame), invites the ire of the righteously betrayed skateboard brigade, ups the ante by ranting against the ineffectiveness of protest songs in the middle of a protest song (against the war in Iraq), and laces together a rapid-fire collection of tunes that are too pretty and yet too harsh to make anyone feel completely comfortable. Sage Francis opens.
5:30 p.m., First Avenue, 701 First Ave. N., 612-332-1775; $16/$18.
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