Music Forecast December 20-26

The Hips
Replay Records just put out a split 7-inch with a song apiece from Lawrence acts Hospital Ships and the Hips. It is fucking excellent, and you should totally pick it up. If I’m not mistaken, it’s also the first official-ish thing the Hips have released, even though they’ve been playing together around Lawrence for almost two years. The group includes members of Fourth of July and Drakkar Sauna, and homes in on an oddball stoner-pop vibe that lands on just the right side of goofy. With Monsoon Lazer.
Friday, December 21, at the Replay Lounge (946 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-749-7676)

The Casket Lottery
After nearly a decade sans new releases, the Casket Lottery had a prolific 2012. The Kansas City group released “The Door,” a 7-inch single, and “Split,” an EP with Touche Amore that features a surprisingly pretty cover of Beach House’s “Myth.” In November, its new full-length, Real Fear, arrived. It doesn’t sound much like Beach House. It’s more what fans would expect from the Casket Lottery: heavy, atmospheric emo rock. You can’t say you weren’t warned — the About section on the band’s Facebook page reads, “Bummin’ you out since 1998.” With Dead Girls and Simple Lines.
Friday, December 21, at Riot Room (4048 Broadway, 816-442-8179)

The Beautiful Bodies
This Christmas-night performance is billed as “A Beautiful Fucking Xmas with the Beautiful Bodies.” I don’t care for the vulgar language. But if being cooped up with your family all day finds you in need of a cabin-fever cure, the Bodies’ boisterous dance rock is probably the best option in town. With Is Paris Burning and DJ Thundercutz.
Tuesday, December 25, at RecordBar (1029 Westport Road, 816-753-5207)

The Caves, with the Grisly Hand
Not a lot of bands tour during the last half of December, which means it’s up to local acts to step up and fill venues around town. This double bill of KC acts is a special treat. The Caves are fresh off the release of their new album, Duplexiaville, a fine bit of downbeat, acoustic alt-rock. The Grisly Hand’s sunnier disposition and Loretta Lynn vibes ought to nicely complement all those Christmas-season Beam-and-waters.
Saturday, December 22, at Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club (3402 Main, 816-753-1909)

Making Movies
Making Movies is closing 2012 about as on point as any band in town. The Latin-rock quartet just released Conciencia Colectiva, a free online mixtape that hews a little jazzy, thanks to local guest spots by Hermon Mehari, Mark Lowrey, Javier Mendoza, Julia Haile and others. And the band’s full-length, A La Deriva, produced by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, is now out locally (though not nationally until March). It’s a riotous, rocking record, and I imagine they’ll be playing most, if not all, of it at this release party. With Heartfelt Anarchy.
Friday, December 21, at RecordBar (1029 Westport Road, 816-753-5207)