The Five Best Concerts in OC This Week

Thursday, January 17

Breakups can be hard. You have to split friends, divide household items and try your hardest not to cry at work. For Los Angeles-based rockers Shiny Toy Guns, the breakup of vocalist Carah Faye Charnow and former guitarist Daniel Johansson's relationship hasn't resulted in too much drama. On the heels of the release of their third album, III, Shiny Toy Guns shuffled around some band members but maintained their stage presence by pumping out Carah Faye's ethereal vocals to the backdrop of their signature synth-pop and electronica sound. Catch the Grammy-nominated Guns perform a special DJ set with live vocals (sans tears) at Costa Mesa's Detroit Bar this week. --Amanda Parsons

Friday, January 18

The buzzword with this heavy metal band is "super group." Yes, we're aware that that's actually two words. But it should be mentioned that Down is comprised of well known rockers from already successful bands, not the least of which is Mr. Phil Anselmo from the amazing 90's metal outfit Pantera (You take this love, love, loooooooove!!!!) Hailing from New Orleans, Down rounds out its lineup with guitarists Pepper Keenan (Corrosion of Conformity) and Kirk Windstein, bassist Pat Bruders-- and on skins-- Jimmy Bower. Head down to the Grove, and get your pit on. --Brandon Ferguson

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