Music Forecast: New Year’s Eve Picks

Minden, with Capybara and Ghosty
Three of the city’s most polished indie-rock acts descend upon RecordBar to ring in 2012. Opener is scene veteran Ghosty, which I’ve always thought sounded like Pavement if Pavement had a heart (by which I mean I like Ghosty better than Pavement). The middle belongs to whimsical folk-pop act Capybara. And ’round midnight, Minden’s smooth, glossy rock closes out 2011.
At RecordBar (1020 Westport Road, 816-753-5207)

The Good Foot
For a reliable New Year’s Eve dance party, which doesn’t lean on Pitbull or that terrible Adam Levine–Gym Class Heroes song or shitty dubstep, your best bet is the Levee, where the Good Foot is looking primed to tear the roof off the sucker. The seven-piece band specializes in soul and R&B covers — think Aretha, Temptations, Al Green — and pulls it off quite convincingly. Also, the singer is a total babe.
At the Levee (16 West 43rd Street, 816-561-5565)

New Year’s Eve of Destruction
The most brutal New Year’s Eve bash is at the Riot Room, where thrash-metal act Hammerlord headlines a bill that includes fellow heavies Mansion, Humans and Walking Oceans. A $25 ticket gets you unlimited well drinks and Schlafly Wheat beer from 7 to 11 p.m. After the show, DJs Cruz and Cyan spin until 3 a.m.
At the Riot Room (4048 Broadway, 816-442-8179)