DL AndersonJohn Darnielle and The Mountain Goats play Showbox at The Market tonight. Monday, Dec. 17Alt-J The British music press is notorious for its near-constant cries of “next big thing,” and these 2012 Mercury Prize winners are the latest to be bequeathed that title. Their sound–which includes a cappella vocals, hip-hop beats, and glassy-eyed acoustic funk–is frantic and busy, but this is a band that could transcend its considerable overseas hype. With Wildcat! Wildcat! The Crocodile. 8 p.m. Sold out. All ages.The Mountain Goats John Darnielle is touring behind his 14th studio album (and fourth in the past five years), Transcendental Youth, a collection of character studies set here in Washington. With Matthew E. White. Showbox at the Market. 7 p.m. $24. All ages.Tuesday, Dec. 18Corb Lund Hailing from the ranchlands of Alberta, Lund writes country music that mirrors his rough and rustic upbringing. With Turnpike Troubadours. Tractor Tavern. 8 p.m. $10 adv./$12 DOS.Vox Maquinista This local duo specializes in danceable, slightly campy electro-rock, like the appropriately named “Death by Pop.” With Imperials, Unibroz, Wicked Gloves. Comet Tavern. 9 p.m. $5.Thursday, Dec. 20The Physics Fresh off the late-summer release of Tomorrow People, The Physics headline this “end of the world” party on the eve of the presaged Mayan apocalypse. With Head Like a Kite, The New Law, Sean Majors. Neumos. 8 p.m. Free. So Funky by The PhysicsFriday, Dec. 21The Imaginary Holiday Spectacular Local music blog Three Imaginary Girls presents an open mic-themed holiday show, featuring performances from Christina Bautista, Pablo Trucker, and Leif Anders (Orca Team). SW columnist John Roderick will play Santa Claus. With Lesli Wood, Chris Otepka, Zach Gore, Kevin Sur, Johnny Hollingsworth. Chop Suey. 8 p.m. $10.Last Time by Pablo TruckerSaturday, Dec. 22The Comettes This local psych-blues band recently honed its chops by touring the midwest with The Lumineers. With Orca Team, Feet. Barboza. 7 p.m. $8 adv.