SubVersion spotlights local music on the rise

Cynics like to believe that cutting-edge music events happen only in Chicago.

On Saturday, however, the cynics will be drowned out by the sound of SubVersion 3.0, Beep's annual free showcase of up-and-coming local bands at Durty Nellie's in Palatine. While these are independent bands, they offer unique styles, fresh approaches and an arsenal of tunes they actually wrote themselves.

Beep's local music expert Lisa Balde ranked all four performers among this year's top area "bands to watch."

Indeed, tons of live shows have made a name for headliners Company of Thieves around these parts, but the quintet's soulful, rootsy, piano pop has already transcended "local favorite" status. Their song "Oscar Wilde" won the New York Songwriter's Circle's 2007 songwriting contest, and last year's self-released debut album, "Ordinary Riches," earned solid praise from Yahoo! and Billboard.

Also on the bill are Clash-influenced pop-punkers American Taxi, featuring two members of suburban legends Lucky Boys Confusion, ambient prog rockers Amrita, who are releasing their debut album at SubVersion, and Butterfly Assassins, who tint their edgy bombast with noirish symphonics.

SubVersion 3.0 starts at 9:30 p.m. Saturday at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. Admission is free, and the first 150 people through the door receive two free drink tickets and a T-shirt. For details, visit beepcentral.com or durtynellies.com.