These are uncertain times, and when one has little else to do but stare at their four walls and hope for a better tomorrow, there needs to be some ethereal jams to cut through the thick silence. Fortunately, Moon Darling have come to Los Angeles by way of Seattle with their new record In The Wildwood, which drops on April 3rd.. Dreamy and angular, the songs feature the soaring vocals and guitar mastery of Michael Julian Escobar, who channels Led Zeppelin and Ozzy. The track "Which Way To Go" -- a reworked song from years past -- presents what In The Wildwood has to offer; driving psych rock with hints of disco and rock 'n roll. You'll sway, you'll dance, but overall, while listening to In The Wildwood, you sure won't be bored. Take a listen to "Which Way To Go" now. - Will Sisskind

 *photo by Jake Hanson

In all of their experimental, riff-pop glory, Moon Darling recall simpler psychedelic sensibilities, combined with some pretty endearing and crafted synth pop. The foursome is comprised of Michael Julian Escobar on vox/guitar, Michelle Nuño on drums, Matthew Buckner on keys and Jack Jay on bass, and their joint forces create soundscapes that are both classic and innovative.

Though they only played one slot at Freakout Fest, an early evening set at the Conor Byrne, the band have been up to so much more recently. Shortly before the played the fest Moon Darling debuted a new track. "By the Light of the Moon" is coming off of their upcoming January EP of the same name, a followup to their addictive Dreams. 

On "By the Light of the Moon" there's a point in which each member shines, be it Escobar's incredible fingerwork or gripping approach to vocals, the stark and necessary breaks of Nuño's drumming, or the enigmatic keyboarding of Buckner and Jack Jay's deliberate bass playing. The title track provides perfect insight into the rest of the EP, and they're having a release show for it on 1.25 at the Fred Wildlife Refuge with Kingdom of the Holy Sun and DJ Right Ternes, so mark your calendars.

Triple city-based indie label Freakout Records has been churning out some pretty fine electronic, psych and lively rock from three out of the four corners of the states. Operating out of Seattle, Los Angeles and New York, Freakout has taken to occupying various venues in Ballard for its festival since 2012, with artists of their own catalog, as well as other artists scattered around the Northwest and the country. Freakout! Festival returns again tonight, and its bill is as stacked as ever.

Co-presented by The Stranger, Audioasis on KEXP and supported by Killroom Records, Treefort Music Fest and Artist Home Record Club, Freakout! Fest will be hitting up its usual Ballard staples like Conor Byrne and Tractor Tavern, with Sarah Gerritsen and Roadkill Ghost Choir kicking things off with some early sets. Tonight's hip hop will be fulfilled by up and coming lyricist Taylar Elizza Beth, with some dark stoner psych coming from Blackwater Holy Light. Energetically folky blues comes from Battleme, who are out on tour supporting their new Cult Psychotica release, while Charms and FKL bring more of a dancey feel to a couple of the headlining spots.

Much of Saturday's bill recalls a warmer, more carefree season thanks to some surf-drenched sets from Baywitch, The Shivas and Guantanamo Baywatch, The White Tears and Pearl Dragon is Dead are collaborating on their performance at the Conor Byrne, Porter Ray and Jus Moni killing it in the rhythm and rhymes department, and Kelli Schaefer and Maiah Manser representing for solo noir pop.

There's so many more acts to see, thank goodness they're all playing on the same street. You can find more information about the artists, venues and tickets over at the Freakout Records site.

 As if the last couple weeks haven't been enough of a clusterfuck in the way of music festivals, tomorrow brings yet another to add to the list of attendance. This time around, it's a collaboration between three bar venues downtown and Lagunitas Brewing.

PAC NW Fest features 15 bands spread out across Dante's, Ash Street Saloon and Kelly's Olympian, all in one Saturday night. 

Catch what is sure to be a rowdy final performance from Foxy Lemon's drummer Zach Boggis as they headline the bill at Kelly's Olympian. Supporting them will be Bubble Cats, the Hoons, Keeper Keeper and Internal State. That side room at Kelly's is sure to reach capacity.

Over at Dante's, you'll find Seattle's Moon Darling, Willow House, Arlo Indigo and Just Lions opening up for King Who, the new moniker for the trippy synth pop group Us Lights.

Dark pop rock lovers Skull Diver will be closing out the night at Ash Street Saloon with their psychedelic visuals and ethereal vocals. Febian Perez's post-Bike Thief project Eclisse will also take the stage, along with Rader, Young Hunter and Salo Panto.

All shows start at 7 p.m. Wristbands for all three venues are available for $12 adv, $15 door with single show tickets being $8. Wristbands can be picked up tomorrow at Ash Street Saloon only. Purchase wristbands here. Enjoy!