Many moons have passed but these righteous dudes are at again. Alas, we have a second full-legnth album from Portland’s funktabulous grunge rock supreme, Otis Heat. This Friday, they are playing the Star Theater to celebrate the release of ING along with Brad Parsons & the Local Talent and Marca Luna.

This album features all four songs from The Ugly EP as well as ten new ones. Songs such as “Circles” has been tested at many of their past shows and the piercing chorus can ring in your head weeks after hearing it. “ING”, the albums opening song was set to a music video to promote the band’s upcoming fall tour. For their live show, you can expect a big sound to come from this three piece. With front man Sean O’Neill’s slap-heavy bass playing, his high-pitched vocals, a drummer who can carry seven different beats at once, and guitar shredder that puts a wide range of melodies on top of huge rhythms, turns their music into a giant thunder cloud of awesome sauce mixed in with sexy butter served over-easy with a handle of whiskey. Guaran-Fucking-Teed. $7 advance, $10 at the door.

- Colin Hudson

It is no coincidence that the word “heat” is part of this band’s name. The high-energy, adrenaline rushing songs of Otis Heat will definitely make your body temperature rise. The rawness of a grunge tone is mixed into hard hitting funk bass lines that pop right along to the drum beat. The prevalence of the bass channels Les Claypool and the weirdly gorgeous vocals bring a sound close to that as well. Otis Heat plays with emotion; their lyrics are unfiltered and sung with a punch. They draw post funk enthusiasts that love classic rock and dance as if it’s mandatory. OH is known for throwing down amazing and intimate performances, so if you’re out celebrating this Saturday and want to reel in the night on a high note (well obviously you’re going to do that, but if you want to see a concert) come to the Bunk Bar to see Otis Heat w/ TxE. - Colin Hudson

March Madness just ended and all of you bracketologists out there are probably pretty sad you'll have to until next year to get your bracketology on, but don't fret! Back for a second year by popular demand, in a move that is sure to establish itself as a Portland institution - it's Rigsketball! If you're late to the game, Rigsketball is halfcourt, 3v3 basketball played on a regulation hoop attached to the back of a van, just about anywhere the cops won't bust the party. However, when played in a bracket-style tournament with 32 of Portland's most ballin' bands and a couple of well-coordinated city permits in the 2012 calendar year: it becomes Rigsketball 2k12! - a summer tradition monstrosity that threatens the safety of every man, woman and child in a 50-foot radius, all the while promoting physical exercise, good attitudes and teamwork! Not to mention connecting 32 seemingly disparate bands and their fans in friendly opposition while providing all parties involved the chance to see each group do something new and exciting outside the studio or venue. If you like sweat, beer, bands, jams, vans, basketball and the possibility of some extremely minor bloodshed - then you'll love Rigsketball 2k12!

Last year's bracket was constituted by Typhoon, Starfucker, And And And, Radiation City, Rock n Roll Soldiers, Jared Mees and the Grown Children, Archers, Aan, SKELETRON, Sean Flinn and the Royal We, TxE, Laura Gibson, Support Force, Animal Eyes, Charts, The Woolen Men, The Blast Majesty, Dirty Mittens, Monarques, My Autumn’s Done Come, Youthbitch, Rocky & The Proms, SUPER MONSTER, The No Tomorrow Boys, Surfs Drugs, Hello Electric, Rabid Wombat, Lee Cory Oswald, Otis Heat, Ugly Flowers, Mannequinhead, and The Taxi Boys. 

Rigsketball 2k12 registration will open April 15th (filing taxes optional.) The first 32 eligible bands to register will be a part of this year's tournament and it is sure to fill up quickly after last year's buzz. Actual competition begins July 26th and goes through August 9th. If you're in a band, be sure to save the registration date. If you're an adoring fan, be sure to donate. The Deli will see everybody out on the court. Wherever that is.