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[GARAGE ROCK] + THU., FEB. 23

There’s hardly a shortage of fuzzy, retro garage rock out there. But France’s Weird Omen manages to stand out with a healthy dose of punk primitivism, an almost avant-garde noisiness and a knack for clever instrumental touches (check out “Transcontinental” and “Saturday Nights Are Gone,” from the record Breakfast Before Chaos, for some prime examples). Tonight, the band kicks off its first-ever U.S. tour at Spirit, with a show presented by Get Hip Records. Pittsburgh garage-rock fixtures and Get Hip artists The Nox Boys open, along with Some Kind of Animal (who recently signed to Get Hip’s new Folk Series imprint). Margaret Welsh 9 p.m. 242 51^st St., Lawrenceville. $5. 412-586-4441 or www.spiritpgh.com

[PUNK] + SAT., FEB. 25

Punk has always been political. But at a time when civil and human rights are under constant attack, Pittsburgh-based group Peace Through Strength aims to make the punk scene a powerful and effective vehicle for activism. Benefit shows, literature distribution, community-building and awareness-rising are a few of the steps organizers are taking. Tonight at The Shop, the band will release the first Peace Through Strength cassette compilation, which benefits the queer-youth arts organization Dreams of Hope, and features tracks by Eyeroll, Hypocondriax, Silence, Peace Talks, Ná´thing and many others. Pick up your own copy, and mosh to sets by SUBMACHINE, S.L.I.P. and Unreliable Narrator. MW 8 p.m. 4314 Main St., Bloomfield. $5. All ages. www.facebook.com/peacethroughstrengthpittsburgh

Potty Mouth Credit: Photo courtesy of Chris Sullivan

[PUNK ROCK] + MON., FEB. 27

Potty Mouth possesses a remarkable energy; a kind of je ne sais quoi that makes punk rock feel like something bigger than a genre. Throughout the band’s catalog, three femmes sound like seven — from the early days of Hell Bent’s punk attitude to the band’s latest single, “Smash Hit,” a grunge-laced, radio-ready bop. Earlier influences like Hole and That Dog come in loud and clear in the trio’s sound, but Potty Mouth takes it further with a grunge-meets-pop-punk facelift. Joining Potty Mouth at the Smiling Moose is Partybaby, a sonically large pop-punk band that blends indie sensibilities with classic pop-punk hooks, and Tennis System, a densely noisy, dreamy pop band. Local talent will be provided by up-and-coming grunge duo Hearken. Meg Fair 6 p.m. 1306 E. Carson St., South Side. $10. 412-431-4668 or www.smiling-moose.com

[HIP HOP] + WED., MARCH 1

Cleveland-based rapper King Chip, the artist formerly known as Chip tha Ripper, has a unique quality. Trap lyricism delivered over synthy R&B production puts him on the same plane as long-time friend and collaborator Kid Cudi. (Their song, 2013’s “Just What I Am,” is a personal favorite.) King Chip’s delivery is relaxed, but the lyrics are raw. King Chip recently released a project with legendary producer Big Duke, of the hip-hop group Psycho Realm. Catch King Chip with Miami-based rapper Bernz tonight at Stage AE. Alona Williams 7 p.m. 400 North Shore Drive, North Side. $18. 412-229-5483 or www.stagepittsburgh.com