There are few bands that can provide reverb and twang like the self-professed “scariest band in the world,” Deadbolt. Appearing tomorrow, Feb. 19, at Brick by Brick, the leather-clad quartet, led by front man Harley Davidson, mines the same sound as precursors The Cramps and other primitive rockers inspired by the sounds of the rockabilly, instrumental surf and a touch of punk attitude. If you’re looking for virtuoso performances or guitar histrionics, Deadbolt may not be your cup of tea, but if you like your rock ’n’ roll gritty, loud and in your face, few do it better. Deadbolt: Friday, Feb. 19, 8 p.m. at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 21 and up. $10. www.myspace.com/officialdeadbolt Though they don’t get as much media attention locally as the local indie rockers, San Diego’s metal/hard rock scene has actually begun to eclipse much of that scene, at least outside the county line. Hard rock has been a local underground staple since the early ’80s heyday of Ratt and Assassin, but newer groups such as Cattle Decapitation and As I Lay Dying have kept the fire burning and shown up on the national charts for their trouble. While Mower, who appear at the 710 Beach Club on Feb. 19, haven’t quite made it to that level, they can surely be credited for making hard rock a presence locally, with tireless promotion and guitar shredding songs to match. With a little luck and a little perseverance, Mower should be among the next few bands to break out on a national level. Mower: Friday, Feb. 19, 9 p.m., at 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.myspace.com/mower International Pop Overthrow is a roving music festival with a wide umbrella covering the more melodic sounds of rock, somewhere between The Beatles, Cheap Trick or the Buzzcocks. Already a staple in such cities as Chicago, Liverpool and Toronto, the three-day fest features dozens of acts playing short sets, mixing it up between the established and the up and coming. Highlights for this second, local edition of “IPO” include The Shamey Jays, featuring Dave Howard (Feb. 19), a reunion of ‘90’s favorites Static Halo (Feb. 20), and a new band featuring Diana Death and Hector Penalosa, The Deep Ones (Feb. 21). But with eight bands per night there will be plenty of great music on hand. International Pop Overthrow: Friday, Feb. 19 to Sunday, Feb. 21 (7:30 p.m.; Sunday 4:30 p.m), at O’Connell’s, 1310 Morena Blvd. $10. www.internationalpopoverthrow.com Nominated for Best Rock Group in the 2009 San Diego Music Awards, local quintet The Pheromones, who appear at RT’s Longboard on Feb. 27, clearly deliver the goods. A perennial at beach area venues, the band’s mix of rock and good times has proven irresistible to area music fans. The secret to their sound is in their mix of influences, taking in a bit of everything from funk to hard rock overtones. But the real reason for their success is simple: The beach community is known for its predilection to party and The Pheromones provide the perfect soundtrack. The Pheromones: Saturday, Feb. 27, 10 p.m. at RT’s Longboard, 710 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. Cover TBD. longboardgrillsd.com Though pianist Irving Flores, who performs at Tango Del Rey on Feb 28, is perhaps best known locally as part of trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos’ Latin Jazz Sextet, his is a long and storied history. Born in Veracruz, Mexico, Flores has performed worldwide alongside such Latin jazz legends as Willie Colon and Tania Libertad at the same time becoming a highly-sought music instructor/theorist. On Feb. 28, Flores showcases his own talents with a CD release for his latest album, “Recuerdos.” Hardcore local jazz fans already know what a treasure Flores’ sound and presence is, but anybody who enjoys piano with a Latin beat will want to investigate his music. Irving Flores: Sunday, Feb. 28, 6 p.m. at Tango Del Rey, 3567 Del Rey St. All ages. www.myspace.com/sdjazzmg
