It's safe to come out of your houses now, Athens! The snow has receded and the sidewalks are mostly clear, although I bet you'll still see late-night revelers slipping and falling over, but that's nothing new. You can easily make it to these shows without the use of ice skates, sleds or snow shoes. 

Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun: I first saw the star power shared by singers Lauren McGinnis and Micah Silverman about five years ago in Atlanta when the girls played under the name Avenge Vegas. They were so damn cool even then - it seemed that fame was inevitable. Then I caught their new band Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun opening for IAMX in Atlanta and was totally blown away. The subtle electronica that sparkles in this band's epic alternative rock creates a sexy blend that is equal parts Metric and Muse. It takes turns making you want to dance and head bang and pound your first in the air. Although TMTS has not quite reached the level of national acclaim I had envisioned, the new EP The Lightning Exhibit is certainly a step in the right direction. (Caledonia, Wednesday 4)

The Watson Twins: To the Ben Kweller fans who are particularly tickled by his new country approach, make sure to get to the 40 Watt early to catch these lovely ladies. Identical twins Chandra and Leigh first gained national exposure as the backing band for Jenny Lewis' first solo departure from Rilo Kiley, but the sisters stand just as strongly on their own. The Watson Twins are a true cross-over act, appealing to indie kids, alt-country fans and folk lovers alike. For a prime example, check out their serene cover of The Cure's "Just Like Heaven." Harmonica? Yes, and it sounds so lovely - you'd think Neil Young helped pen the track. Identical twins are always a striking presence to behold, and when they sing with such rustic warmth, the effect is even more stunning. (40 Watt, Thursday 5)

Dark Dark Dark: Some bands try to overpower you with volume. Dark Dark Dark wins you over with mood. The mostly unplugged four-piece features accordion, banjo, cello and upright bass. It's an absolutely captivating blend of haunted Eastern European folk tinged with pastoral Appalachian swing plus a bit of cabaret thrown in for extra pizazz. (Farm 255, Thursday 5)

Sports!: Local artists Winston Parker and Kim Kirby have recently teamed to DJ a cutting-edge new dance party. Sports! is just pretentious enough to feel legit without being exclusive. That is, you can trust that Kirby and Parker will only be bringing you the best of what's new. There will be no tired Top 40 hits from 10 years ago that you've danced to oblivion. Parker tends to play mash-ups while Kirby spins for the song completists out there (that's me!) who need to hear at least a verse and a chorus to really get dancing. Plus, as you might expect from the talented duo, there will be visual stimulation projected on the dancefloor screen as well. Kirby says she's got La Roux, Erol Alklan, Ladyhawke and remixes from Dem Shoes lined up for this weekend - plus many more surprises! As we spoke she was online compiling images for a potential video theme on Friday featuring the world's greatest animated gifs! "It will primarily be really horrible animated gifs from 1999," says Kirby. "Maybe a Powerpoint graph chart on awesomeness." Damn, I don't know about you, but Web 1.0 really gets my heart racing and my feet moving! (Go Bar, Friday 6)

Western Civ: Wester Civ pops into Athens between its two CD release shows, celebrating the completion of the Mitch Easter-produced Shower the People You Love with Gold in its current home of Chapel Hill and its birthplace of Sheffield, AL. These raucous indie rock tunes are as intricate as they are infectious. There is a good dose of post-punk in there, and all the stated influences (Archers of Loaf, Yo La Tengo, Sonic Youth, etc.) are firmly embedded in these tunes. (Tasty World, Tuesday 10)

Michelle Gilzenrat

music@flagpole.com