The Unnatural Helpers had a bang-up 2010, with all the highs – like touring overseas with Mudhoney – and the lows – like narrowly escaping a beatdown in Brooklyn (“I cut off these toughs and they chased us down in our van,” says UH’s drummer and vocalist Dean Whitmore. “I didn’t know if we were going to get shot in the face or what”) – that come with a memorable year. One of the band’s best moments was the release of the rambunctious and much praised Cracked Love & Other Drugs, but they’re already moving on and will start recording a new full-length later this month. As for tonight’s show, some holiday cheer will play a part when UH plays a Christmas classic, although they’re keeping the specifics a secret. “It’s by a classic British band,” hints Whitmore, “I’ll give you that much.” With The Intelligence, Dancer and Prancer. ERIN K. THOMPSON

Wed., Dec. 22, 8 p.m., 2010