Though often compared to other bands with roots in the 1980s, Nitzer Ebb, who will appear at Brick by Brick on Dec. 17, has always had a darker edge than label mates such as Depeche Mode. It’s that dark tinge in their music, complete with pulsating rhythms, that has kept the band in the media spotlight nearly three decades after their 1982 beginnings in England. Indeed, recent soundtrack placements for their hard driving, electronic dance music include an episode of TV’s crime drama “NCIS” and the horror film “Saw IV.” Just as vital an electronica group as ever, anyone who takes “bpm” (beats per minute) into consideration whenever they go dancing, won’t want to miss this concert. Nitzer Ebb: Thursday, Dec. 17, 8:30 p.m. at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 21 and up. $20. There are seemingly a zillion bands releasing music in San Diego at the moment, but it’s unlikely that 2009 has yielded a more radio-friendly song than 321 Stereo’s “Take Me Up.” The band wears its influences — eighties new wave tinged rock and dance music — on its collective sleeve. The end result is a fun, modern sound with electronic flourishes that bring out every ounce of melody. What’s most impressive is 321 Stereo’s strong songwriting, with just about every tune a potential Top 40 single. 321 Stereo: Friday, Dec. 18, 11 p.m. at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. 21 and up. Cover TBD. Although the Middle Earth Ensemble, who perform at Turquoise Café Bar Europa on Dec. 19 are noted as a band performing Middle Eastern music, specifically Arabic, Turkish and Persian sounds, their music is actually far more expansive. Mixing in influences as varied as gypsy guitar and jazz, folk and rock, the five piece band combines the best of traditional music with new melodic possibilities. Their sound is wonderfully showcased on their newest of three albums, “Passage,” but for their music’s full effect, it’s best to see them in a live setting, where the mix of five musicians and two belly dancers can be intoxicating. Middle-Earth Ensemble: Saturday Dec. 19, 7 p.m. at Café Bar Europa, 873 Turquoise St. 21 and up. While San Diego Jazz Musicians Guild’s weekly concert series celebrates the music of a select local performer, on Dec. 20, the focus will be much broader. Doubling as the official SDJMG Holiday Party, the concert will be a free jazz jam session, open to all ages and all levels of playing. “We are trying to encourage creativity and give everyone an opportunity to play,” said SDJMG President Karin Carson. “Someone told me once, that the best way to grow is to play with more experienced cats, so you can push your limits,” she said. With its mix of seasoned music vets and up and coming talent, this night should offer up plenty of listening pleasure for jazz fans of all types. SDJMG Holiday Party & Jam Session: Sunday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m. at Tango Del Rey, 3567 Del Rey St. Free. All ages. Largely keyboard-based and played with often fragile understatement, the songs of Masked Monster Beast, who perform at O’Connell’s on Dec. 27 are the epitome of the word “quirky.” Based around the music of Bibi Duran, their songs somehow cross nursery rhyme simplicity with indie rock experimental sounds for a mix that’s compelling and bears repeated listens. Masked Monster Beast: Sunday, Dec. 27, 9 p.m. at O’Connell’s, 1310 Morena Blvd. 21 and up. Cover TBD.