Once upon a time seven Seattleites formed a band that grabbed even the most morose hipster by the shoulders and shook them into a state of blissful, energetic joy. The fist-pumping dance anthems of United State of Electronica (U.S.E.) are huge from local basements to Japan. But between side projects, including lead guitarist Jason Holstrom’s tribute to those who burgled his car in Hawaii—Thieves of Kailua, starring ukulele—and touring abroad, they haven’t played a show at home since May. In honor of the ratification of the 21st Amendment, they’re headlining a free show at Neumos tonight. In case your history is a little rusty, the 21st served one purpose: to repeal the 18th Amendment, which banished alcohol to bathtubs and speakeasies and made the mob economically viable. The whiskey will be flowing, so the kids have to stay home for this one.

Wed., Dec. 5, 8 p.m., 2007