Roadtrips

You could argue that the kind of bedrock skull-krunching noise terror enacted by the Melvins and Helmet never really goes out of style. Except that Helmet's last album is said to have stiffed, and the Melvins, having worn out their Kurt's-favorite-band welcome over at Atlantic, are indie once more on Amphetamine Reptile. So much for that theory. Still, metal is as metal does, and both Helmet's Aftertaste (Interscope) and the Melvins' Honky find them as close to their best work as they're likely to get now that their best work is behind them. And they're back in the clubs again, which means King Buzzo's white 'fro will hover closer to the ceiling than it has been accustomed to in recent years. Reason enough to check 'em out tonight and tomorrow, October 2 (all ages) and 3 (18-plus), at the Middle East (617-864-EAST) in Cambridge; or Monday the 6th at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel (401-272-5876) in Providence. Wharton Tiers, who produced some of Helmet's early efforts, leads his own Ensemble in the opening slot.

Ending months of speculation, ex-Germ Pat Smear made his departure from the Foo Fighters early last month in characteristically flamboyant style -- during the live broadcast of the MTV music awards. With rumors of a Sunny Day Real Estate reunion surfacing (the original band of former Foo drummer William Goldsmith and still-current bassist Nate Mendel), it'll be a wonder if Dave Grohl hasn't rolled over the entire band by year's end. Grohl leads the new Foo revue -- with his old pal Franz Stahl from his pre-Nirvana days in the DC hardcore band Scream replacing Smear -- to the Strand Theatre (401-272-0444) in Providence on October 7, and the Wallace Civic Center (617-423-NEXT) in Fitchburg on October 9. Treble Charger and the Stone Temple Pilots spinoff band Talk Show open. Meanwhile, Elephant 6-associated neo-artfolks Apples in Stereo (see "Off the Record," on page 48) hit town opening for No Depression pin-ups Sun Volt at Avalon (331-2211) in Boston on October 3 and Lupo's the following night.

Not making it this way: Fugees papa Wyclef Jean and his Refugee All-Stars, touring behind the former's celebrated solo album, will be at the Strand on October 8. And having already done a two-night stand at the Middle East plus a one-off at the Roxy in Boston this year, Pavement opt for Lupo's on the 7th, with an opening band named after the cute alien life form from Gremlins.

-- CC