Critics' Picks: April 28-May 5

Thu., April 28 -- Black Metal

As U.S. black metal goes, Krallice is something of a supergroup: Founding members Mick Barr and Colin Marston have been in Orthrelm, Behold ... the Arctopus and Disrhythmia, among others. The band's latest, Diotima, was just released on the Profound Lore label to critical praise. (How many other experimental black-metal bands have had an album stream on NPR's website?) It's extreme, loud, epic, growly for sure -- but also melodic. The band plays Gooski's tonight with Withered and Abysme. Andy Mulkerin 9 p.m. 3117 Brereton St., Polish Hill. $6. 412-681-1658

Fri., April 29 -- Indie Rock

Despite its rather laborious name, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin kicks out simple, mostly feel-good jams. Last year's Let It Sway, issued on Polyvinyl, is an album of easy pop-rock tunes and folk progressions piled high with guitar layers, and represents the Missouri band (which formed in the late '90s) at its best. Tonight's appearance at Brillobox is the band's first since the record dropped last summer. With local guitar rockers Mariage Blanc and Satin Gum. AM 10 p.m. 4104 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. $8-10. 412-621-4900 or www.brillobox.net

Sat., April 30 -- Alt Rock

The little college band that could, Guster is a product of Tufts University circa the early '90s. If the band came to prominence before your time, imagine the musical love child that might result from the marriage of Jack Johnson and Dispatch or Dave Matthews Band. The band, fresh off its fall release, Easy Wonderful, stops by Stage AE tonight. Bethie Girmai. 7 p.m. 400 N. Shore Drive, North Side. $22.50-26. www.promowestlive.com

Photo courtesy of Pedro Quintans

Sat., April 30 -- Electronic

Ah, spring. The magnolias are in bloom, robins are flying repeatedly into picture windows in a misguided show of territorialism, and the patio is opening up at Round Corner Cantina. The Mexican-style bar with a cool-kid reputation celebrates al fresco drinking by hosting celebrated ZZK DJ and recording artist Chancha Via Circuito, from Buenos Aires, along with labelmate El-G; New York City's Sammy Bananas; and man-about-town Edgar Um. The fun continues with an all-day party Sunday featuring DJ Sabo and many more. AM Noon-2 a.m. Saturday; noon-midnight Sunday. $10 Saturday, $5 Sunday. 3720 Butler St., Lawrenceville. 412-904-2279 or www.roundcornercantina.com

Photo courtesy of Jason Frank Rothenberg

Thu., May 5 -- Folk Pop

North Carolinian songstress Tift Merritt has proven over her 10-plus-year career that she can succeed in any number of musical environments. She got her start in the '90s playing with bands, and has recorded with numerous configurations of musicians, but she's capable of playing alone with a guitar, too. That's how she's handling her current tour, with Stephen Kellogg (also solo and acoustic, sans his Sixers). A strong and lauded songwriter with a penchant for honesty and positive vibes, and a voice that sometimes recalls Joni Mitchell, she plays along with Kellogg tonight at Club Café. AM 7 p.m. 56 S. 12^th St., South Side. $20-22. 412-431-4950 or www.clubcafelive.com