The Profiler

The Suspect: The Misfits
The Misfits original lineup began playing together in the late ‘70s, and they were one of the first bands in the horror-punk genre. Now, 30 years and a dozen or so lineup changes later, they still haven’t lost their focus. As frontman Jerry Only says, “We plan to continue as always to eclipse the past, block the sun and drag humanity by the throat into a world of darkness …where we are king.” 

Can Be Found: The Orange Peel, Wednesday, Dec. 1.

RIYD (Recommended if You Dig): Metallica, Black Flag

You Should Go If: You talk with dead relatives more than living ones; Nearly all of your bottom teeth show when you “smile”; You engage in a lot of role play where your partner pretends to be unconscious; You keep it local by … performing your ritualistic sacrifices only on animals born and bred right here in WNC.

The Suspect: Delta Spirit
When the emo-punk band Noise Rachet broke up, members Jon Jameson and Brandon Young decided to go in a more Americana/rootsy direction. They recruited three more band members and then went touring with Dr. Dog and Cold War Kids. Pop Matters had this to say about Delta Spirit’s first full-length release, Ode to Sunshine: “Ever year there is one album that comes out of nowhere, kicks you in the ass and demands your attention … it (the album) all comes together to make tracks that range from devastating to fun-loving to gorgeous.”

Can Be Found: The Grey Eagle, Thursday, Dec. 2.

RIYD: Wilco, Okkervil River.

You Should Go If: When you fall in love it’s usually before learning the other person’s last name; People ask you what you’re so happy about at least once a day; You’ve tried to get gigs on Craigslist as a tambourine player; You keep it local by … only borrowing money from the other people who live in your house.

The Suspect: Fan-Tan
The band formed four years ago in Chapel Hill when the brother-sister duo Kuki and Sandee Kooks met singer-guitarist Ryan Lee Dunlap. Later, the trio relocated to Brooklyn where they were joined by another Tarheel, synth player Mike Walters. Philadelphia Weekly calls Fan-Tan’s sound, “…sweeping, soaring, synth-glorious post punk.”

Can Be Found: Lexington Avenue Brewery, Thursday, Dec. 2.

RIYD: Echo & the Bunnymen, The Cure.

You Should Go If: After seeing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows you finally decided to come out of the cupboard; A quarter of your food budget goes toward items that you chew but don’t actually swallow; Most of your outfits borrow something from Jennifer Beals in Flashdance; You keep it local by … only frequenting places where you can ride your no-speed Schwinn.

The Suspect: Cold War Kids
Three of the four members of Cold War Kids met at an evangelical Christian college, and their music projects an urgent, come-to-Jesus quality. The band cites the songs of Dylan, Billie Holiday and the Velvet Underground as their guiding influence, and music bloggers from around the globe heaped tons o’ praise on the debut EP, Mulberry Street. The buzz continues to build due to the group’s relentless touring and the strength of their subsequent releases.

Can Be Found: The Orange Peel, Saturday, Dec. 4.

RIYD: Spoon, The Strokes.

You Should Go If: You’ve broken up with people by changing your Facebook status; You’ve participated in four “revirginization” ceremonies in the past year; You were voted “Best Actress” even though your high school didn’t have a theater program; You keep it local by … only dating people your friends have already slept with.