October record releases (lil early)

On October 4 at the Casbah, the Archons will debut Lord of Light and Thunder, described by the band as “A space rock opera, a thematic album that focuses on the classic concept of Good vs Evil, featuring recurring characters such as the Galaxians, the Mysterians, Kid Nitro, and Dr Pain.”

The album will be released in a vinyl edition that includes a digital download card. The Archons feature former members of the Seattle band Sludgeplow (bassist Chad Hartgrave and drummer Scott Driscoll), and Kansas City group Transdimensional Doorway (guitarist Jeff Doom). The Casbah show also includes Seattle-based Old Iron, as well as locals Low & Be Told, with singer Doug Thompson (the Marsupials), bassist George Vidaurri (Uncle Joe’s Big Ol’ Driver), drummer Darrin Lee (Tragic Tantrum), and guitarist Frank Blackcat.

The release party for the new Between Dreams CD from jazz songstress Nina Francis happens October 7 at Java Joe’s. “I’ll perform the songs from the album in order for the first time ever, and will speak about my creative process for both writing and recording it,” says Francis. “My opener and good friend Savannah Philyaw and I were both 2017 San Diego Music Awards nominees for Best Singer-Songwriter.”

Electronic jazz act Goldfish launches their fifth studio album, Late Night People, at the Music Box on October 14. The Gift Machine and the Oxen, both fronted by husband-and-wife teams, have a split 7-inch dropping at the Pour House in Oceanside on October 20. Authentic Sellout plays a record-release show on October 28 at the Soda Bar, where the Darlings will also appear.

Orchid Mantis will premiere a new album inspired by jazz, classical, and drum ’n’ bass at Villa Musica on October 27. Members include Nina Deering (vocals, vocoder, synth), Harley Magsino (e-bass), Caitlin Fahey Crow (cello, vocals), Rebecca Matayoshi (viola, vocals), John Smith (violin), Cliff Thrasher (cello), and Isaac Crow (drums, synth).

Also due this month is a new seven-inch from George Anthony’s current version of Battalion of Saints, featuring the founding singer now backed by members of Angry Samoans and Hirax. You won’t be able to hear the nearly 40-year-old punk-metal band play it live until the support tour hits Soda Bar on November 12, for a bill that includes Opposition Rising, the Cryptics, and PSO.