Freak Beep

Oakland's tUnE-yArDs have become a critical favorite and an international sensation, but the group's bassist (and band leader Merrill Garbus' boyfriend) Nate Brenner isn't stopping there. In addition to Beep, his avantjazz outfit, Brenner leads Naytronix, which describes itself as an "evil dance band ... from the future." Rendered in quasi-robotic tones out of synths, bass, horns, and Brenner's processed vocals, Naytronix's first, free EP finds a sweet spot between the skeletal electro-funk of tUnE-yArDs and the warm glow of Sly Stone's late-'60s psych-soul. A smoky, almost dub-like cover of Janet Jackson's hit "What Have You Done For Me Lately" - with both Brenner and Garbus on vocals - leaves one eager for Naytronix's first full album, which is due in August. The band plays with fellow East Bay electro-weirdos Yalls and Mwahaha on Thursday, May 17, at Hemlock Tavern. 9 p. m., $7; www.hemlocktavern.com. IAN S. PORT

Queer Pioneers

Queercore punk may no longer get the hype it did when Pansy Division started in the 1990s, but time hasn't stopped S.F.'s finest lighthearted gay punk band from keepin' on.Like Limp Wrist and spiritual heir Hunx and His Punx, Pansy Division is adept at wrapping gaythemed jokes and double entendres into songs that are ultimately about untangling the issues that come with being young and out. The band is best when it's focusing on unpolished, hummable power-pop tunes and paying tribute to sexy Canadian men, a dominant lover named James Bondage, the joy of feeling another man's Joe Camel, and Beercan Boy - a guy with a rod as wide as your Miller Lite. And isn't the world a little bit better for having a song called "Smells Like Queer Spirit" in it? Pansy Division performs a rare live show with Swann Danger on Sunday, May 20, at Cafe Du Nord.8 p.m., $12; www.cafedunord.com. REYAN ALI