With an incredible history of releasing LPs by regional and revolutionary bands like Unwound, Bikini Kill, and Sleater-Kinney, it seems fitting that Kill Rock Stars would celebrate its 25th birthday by hosting a show featuring three amazing Northwest bands that push different musical envelopes under the banner of punk. Seattle’s Kinski has been blowing minds with their high-energy psych-rock for years, and never seem to stop exploring the sonic limits of the sacred chord. Fellow Seattleites Wimps may be one of KRS’ newest signees, but this adorable trio of lo-fi power pop/punk mavens is really three certified veterans armed with ramshackle riffs and playful melodies. Rounding out the lineup is beloved Portland up-and-comers Lithics, who shine their angular light through a No New York prism to illuminate the space between rhythms. Curating like this proves that Kill Rock Stars continues to stay in touch with the vanguard. CHRIS SUTTON