Hit Pick

Music may not be the cure for all of our ills, but the healing power of rock and roll has certainly been tested again and again. For some of us, patriotic anthems and religious hymns can’t compete with the cathartic crush of a big, fat guitar riff. If you’re looking for a dose of company with a side of frenetic punk rock, head over to Seven South to see the Swanks on Saturday, September 22, with Hi-Fidelity, Zipgun and the Louts. Expect heated, rambunctious punk with a certain tenacious quality to it. Lead singer/guitarist Shanda Kolberg hollers from the gut like she really means it, working atop a dogpile of prickly licks and feverish solos. You might even be able to treat your eardrums to a spirited, to-the-point cover of a Judas Priest classic. It might not change the world, but fast, loud rock can definitely lift a spirit.