Royalty, Etc. 2-Year Anniversary Bash

Ah, the terrible twos—that feral age before our absurd and gleeful impulses get chiseled into our permanent records. Local label Royalty, Etc. may only be turning two, but a quick glance at tonight's lineup (all labelmates) reveals a maturity beyond its years. One can always count on bit-and-byte Spandex benefactors Zibra Zibra to write on the walls and cut the heads off of its sister's Barbie Dolls. But the symphonic, digital brooding of These Modern Socks suggests a precocious contemplative side, and the bassy, Elephant Six nostalgia of show-openers Middlepicker indicates that the label has been digging through its older brother's record collection. And this label is no avaricious toddler—with a slew of CDs and T-shirts to hand out, Royalty, Etc. will be providing the gifts, ensuring that this is one second birthday party where the grown-ups won't be feigning their good time.
Sat., Feb. 23, 7 p.m., 2008