Thanks, Shaila Dewan, for noting Orlando's organic culture and not that fabricated, touristy one out by Kissimmee. We all know it around here, but she happens to be a writer for The New York Times and she just wrote a piece on us - the real us - for the 36 Hours travel column. Her trek might've been a bit spicier had she stayed up later and just tailed me for a day and a half, but she at least spotlighted legit nightlife like Will's Pub, Uncle Lou's, Wally's, Red Fox Lounge and Stardust Video & Coffee. Slowly but surely, right?

The beat

It's a Gordian-rock frenzy (Feb. 27, Back Booth)! First was the punk-fueled experimental rock fireworks of New York's Marnie Stern, whose avant-garde guitar heroics are daring and dazzling. Maybe it's because she's unencumbered by male peacock syndrome, but she shreds for glory without coming off as a total wanker. And really, it's great to see a real destroyer like her in the sausage-dominated guitar arena.

Following her was Sacramento, Calif.'s Tera Melos, whose tricked-out experimental rock takes the kind of zigs that snap ankles. But despite their scrambling, crammed style, the music bursts with triumphant melody and explosive release.

These two acts absolutely represent the kind of tense, dense musical swarm that can suck oxygen from the lungs and frazzle the nerves. Still, it's impressive to see it done this well. As music that prizes complexity and adventure over fluidity, it ain't always pretty. But people bucking convention like this is how art advances.

Likely because of their punked-up country roots, outstanding Tennessee band Those Darlins made it onto the Old 97's bill (March 1, Plaza Theatre). But their beaming new direction is more about young garage snot and oldies pop grandeur. Most importantly, they're a real rock & roll band now, one of the brightest, most complete bands of their kind, in fact. And live, their sound is much bigger than you might think. Considering how great their new album is (Screws Get Loose, available March 29), it'd be a little weird and a lot unjust if their profile didn't get a significant pop this year. This unit's ready for the big time, especially lead guitarist Jessi Darlin, whose tough, possessed star quality is poised to conquer.

The WayBo Fest (March 5, Peacock Room) was a rally by area musicians to help fellow locals Bob on Blonde fund their upcoming pop-up book double-vinyl release. There, I was swept off my feet by the mighty Bestiarii. Instrumental post-rock is another genre that's sadly withered around here lately. Well, Bestiarii has magnificently picked up the torch with their epic, gorgeous dynamism. I guess we know who should open the next time Red Sparowes come to town. Or the amazing Caspian, whom they'll actually be supporting this Saturday at Will's Pub. As always, go see for yourself.

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