January 25th and 26th are definitely two dates to mark on your upcoming calendars. Take the time to plan ahead and maybe even get both nights off of work so you can soak in all the quality tunes rolling thru town on those nights. Find a friend with a car, maybe a van, cause you are going to have to start out in Burlington each night, then head over to Winooski to finish it out proper.
Fri. January 25th. First up is The OCTAGON out of NYC.
They’ve recently released a new LP on the New York indie label Serious Business. I stumbled upon them while looking at the upcoming calendar of events for the Space Gallery back home in Portland. Caught their tour dates and found they’d be rolling thru Burlington en route to Maine. Gracing us with an appearance at Radio Bean. Im a little unsure of the timing of their set, but would definitely be worth stopping thru for a $5 shake and some quick pop/ rock. Time Out says “tight british pop — the Jam and the Libertines come to mind — reimagined as vivacious New York Punk.”From Radio Bean, head up the hill and into the Noosks roundabout and park out at the Monkey.
Three fine fine bands are playing:
Former home town boys/ current Boston “Tazer Rock” aficionados PRETTY & NICE!
It’s been a hell of a long time since I’ve had the chance to see Pretty & Nice. Last time I planned on them, they unfortunatley had to cancel.Will be nice to see J freaking out.
Burlingtons own ska/reggae/hardcore/ punks HUSBANDS 
I still haven’t managed to catch these guys. I have talked to Tyson a whole hell of alot over drinks and wings and am excited to finally see them. Almost caught them on NYE but I was a mess.
and lastly, the best rock band in Portland, Maine: CULT MAZE
The Portland Phoenix listings sorcerer/ and former Burlington resident Chris Gray says that Cult Maze is “known for a dazzling blend of anthemic guitar licks and post-punk/math-rock undertones.”
I just caught their CD release party for their new disc 35, 36 back in November and it was fucking great. The absolute best time I’ve had at a show in many a months. You can check out a very recent review at Tiny Mix Tapes and also stream the album here.
The Octagon folks should almost just join the bill over at the Monkey and save us all a bit of traveling woes.Will be back to post about the 26th in just a bit. Happy Holidays yall.
ANGIOPLASTY MEDIA 