Thursday Happenings

Image of Atlas Sound from Myspace.

Atlas Sound is the side-project of Bradford Cox, the front man of the Atlanta band Deerhunter. Cox cushions pop melodies with a layer of reverb and guitar feedback. It's a psychedelia that's soft but challenging, and his recordings bring to mind the work of 4AD labelmates His Name is Alive and the Cocteau Twins. Paradise Rock Club, 967 Comm. Ave., 9 p.m. $15.

Califone is the longstanding Chicago band that combines Americana with indie rock. The band's leader, Tim Rutili, has just made a feature length movie that will screen as the band plays a live soundtrack tonight. Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, 8 p.m. $18.

Jazz

The NEC continues its series of Jazz40 concerts, marking the 40th anniversary of the conservatory's landmark jazz studies program. Tonight's show features NEC faculty member Jerry Bergonzi's quartet and Noah Preminger. Regattabar, 1 Bennett St., Cambridge, 7:30 p.m. $18.

Dancing Hipsters

The Middle East's regular dance party Banger! promises a "battle royale" tonight as Roguewaves, C+G, Good Morning, Good Night, and So Dope DJs take the stage. If that's not enough to charm the bandana off of your neck, the organizers promise "WE KNOW ITS COLD BUT WE SWEAR YOU'LL SWEAT" (sic). Middle East Downstairs, 472 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, 9 p.m. $10.