One of the most gnarly concert seasons of the year, San Diego Music Thing is upon us this weekend on Sep. 12-13. Here are my top five must-see picks for the weekend. Be sure to check the SDMT website for the full schedule.

Deap Vally

When: 12:15 a.m., Friday
Where: The Casbah

If the White Stripes and the Black Keys had a baby, it would be Deap Vally. Striking blues-rock vocals, greasy riffs, and foot-stomping drumming define this powerful female duo. Deap Vally makes you feel like the baddest in town and sell crocheted goods as band merchandise. That’s charming as hell in my book.

Cults

When: 8:15 p.m., Saturday
Where: 91X Next Big Thing Main Stage

Experimental indie-pop duo Cults writes twinkly tunes that make you want to dance on the moon. This band gives off a sweet ‘60s girl-band vibe with an unforgettable groove. Its songs remind of the silly, juvenile sentiments you store wholly in your mind and wouldn’t dare say now. If you want to dance the night away, go watch Cults.

The Frights

When: 8:15 p.m., Saturday
Where: The Irenic

A band of surf-punk babes, the Frights is dirty doo-wop and DIY San Diego at its finest.  Needless to say, its wild and quirky songs make you want to hang off a ceiling and head bang.  Songs such as “Beach Porn” and “Makeout Point” bleed the essence of the Frights: unapologetic and fun.

Cherry Glazerr

When:  9:05 p.m., Saturday
Where: The Irenic

A lo-fi quartet from Los Angeles, Cherry Glazerr brings a dreamy aesthetic to the noise-pop scene. This shoegaze-esque group writes unconventional lyrics full of wit and without pretension. It’s the type of things you would’ve yelled at your mom about when you were 15 years old. The songs “Teenage Girl” and “Trick or Treat Dance floor” are a testament to their off-kilter splendor. Anyone can relate to Cherry Glazerr with its homage to teen angst and everything else that sucks.

Retox

When: 10:15 p.m., Saturday
Where: The Irenic

These San Diego soothsayers of hardcore throw down raw aggression. Coined by dedicated fans as “odd-core,” Retox’s sound combines elements of both hardcore- and noise-punk as heard in songs such as “Don’t Fall in Love with Yourself” and “Piss Elegant.” Defiant and dedicated, they write lyrics reflecting on society’s faults and stomp on this generation’s narcissism.