It’s only fitting that KEXP’s Yule Benefit exclusively comprises Northwest bands, all of which are very worthy of your attention. While Seattle eight-piece Grand Hallway’s sumptuous symphonic pop bears little resemblance to Portland-based the Builders and the Butchers’ swarthy, blood-soaked Goth-grass, both bands have recently attracted the attention of the wider musical worldmeaning that you’ll want to catch them now, because there’s a good chance that by this time next year both of them will be popular enough to fill that headlining spot. And it goes without saying that you’d be a fool to miss the Cave Singers’ beatific, folksy compositions or the Thermals’ (pictured) peppy punk. The years have polished the Thermals’ raw, rough-and-tumble garage punk to a glossy shine, but without buffing away any of the band’s appeal or indie cred. SARA BRICKNER
Sat., Dec. 12, 8 p.m., 2009
