MAY 17 & 22

Despite a fondness for loud-guitar squall, New Radiant Storm King is as interested in storytelling techniques as soundscapes, and the New England trio displays a Melvillian penchant for digression and emotional outbursts. The band of former collegemates is part of a tide of literary rockers who would rather headline Breadloaf than Lollapalooza. If NRSK offers a seminar in postgraduate rock, Jonny Cohen’s Love Machine, the quintessential Teen Beat act, addresses barely post-adolescent concerns, such as celebrating bugs and the like. With Break at 9 p.m. Saturday at Galaxy Hut, 2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. FREE. (202) 525-8646; With Jonny Cohen’s Love Machine and I See Spots at 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Black Cat, 1831 14th St. NW. $6. (202) 667-7960. (Eddie Dean)