Music •  Russian Circles Music truly is universal, and in a sense,

January 20, 2015 12:35 am

Music

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Russian Circles Music truly is universal, and in a sense, that makes the lyrics optional. Chicago instrumental metal trio Russian Circles knows this, and for the past decade has let its music do the talking. On its latest album, Memorial, guitarist Mike Sullivan, drummer Dave Turncrantz, and bass player Brian Cook (formerly of Seattle outfit These Arms Are Snakes) express a wide range of experiences with nary a word-except for the title track, which features hazy vocals from Chelsea Wolfe. Songs like “Deficit” are fairly straightforward metal, while others, like “Ethel,” are lighter and more atmospheric. Either way, Memorial is captivating. With Mamifer. 21 and over. Neumos, 925 E. Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122 $20 adv. Tuesday, January 20, 2015, 8pm

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RL Grime Henry Steinway, more commonly known as RL Grime, is another artist for whom we have YouTube to thank. In 2012, the trap and hip-hop producer uploaded a remix of Avicii’s “Levels” under the name Clockwork. EDM heavyweight Steve Aoki took Grime, a member of the Los Angeles-based WeDidIt collective, under his wing, and he’s been working ever since, remixing songs by everyone from Beastie Boys and Kanye West to Rihanna and Chief Keef. Each track on Grime’s debut full-length, Void, which features Boys Noize, Big Sean, Djemba Djemba, and How to Dress Well, is just massive. “Scylla” is a personal favorite. With Lunice, Tommy Kruise. Repeats Thursday. All ages. The Neptune, 1303 N.E. 45th St., Seattle, WA 98105 $21.50 adv./$25 DOS Tuesday, January 20, 2015, 9pm

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Wooden Wisdom Too many actors to count have made the foray into music at one point or another, many most likely banking on name recognition rather than actual talent to draw crowds. But Wooden Wisdom, the duo of DJ/label rep/tour manager/film consultant Zach Cowie and The Lord of the Rings actor Elijah Wood-who, no joke, performs as DJ Frodo-are naturals behind the turntables. The pair focuses its vinyl-heavy sets on disco and house tunes from the ‘70s and ‘80s, so while the music they play may not be familiar to everyone, it gets the crowd on its feet, Hobbit fan or not. 21 and over. Q Nightclub, 1426 BroadwaySeattle, Washington 98122 $14 Tuesday, January 20, 2015, 9pm

Centerpiece Jazz Band This Music Center Northwest combo performs. Kent Lutheran Church, 336 Second Ave., S., Kent $12.50 Saturday, January 24, 2015, 8pm