Perhaps it’s a bit early in the week to start hyping this coming weekend’s live shows, but lately the blogosphere’s become quite competitive, everyone and their ayi starting a blog and throwing “editor’s picks” out all over the place, so I figure there’s no better time than the present to hit you all off with a look ahead.

Much like last Friday’s massive throwdown at Mao Livehouse featuring the Pet Conspiracy, this weekend also marks the arrival of some highly-anticipated talent from Beijing, as a pair of pseudo Brit-pop bands, Perdel and Steely Heart (pictured), make their Shanghai debuts on Friday and Saturday respectfully.

While these bands regularly bill themselves as Brit-pop acts in Beijing, the tag is a bit misleading, Perdel (who controversially walked off the Pepsi Battle of the Bands show, reportedly over a disagreement concerning compensation), playing well crafted pop/rock songs that have much in common with Southern California bands like Rooney and Phantom Planet, Steely Heart taking many of their cues from The Horrors (those are just quick reference points folks).

Regardless, these two shows are the pick of the litter this weekend, Perdel kicking out their jams at Mao Livehouse on Friday the 13th and Steely Heart, who are coming to town thanks to S.T.D., ridin’ dirty over at LOgO on Saturday, November 14th.

This weekend in rock:

Friday, November 13th

Candy Shop, Black Luna, Forget and Forgive: Lackluster rap-rock meets all-girl “punx” and utterly-depressing screamo / crabcore. Yuyintang, 8:30pm, RMB 40

Saturday, November 14th

Hell United: Nu-metal collective featuring locals Chaos Mind, Six Shot, Fearless, Screaming Savior and Hangzhou’s October Capricorn back together for monthly metal series. Mao Livehouse, 9pm, RMB 40

Welcome to Triassic Park: Comedic quartet Stegosaurus joined by locals Fingers Dancing. Live Sound Garage, 9pm, RMB 30

Chengdu Rocks Shanghai: Chengdu-based dance rockers Mosaic and Mr. Turtle come to town, supported by locals Rank and Japanese imports Silent Flow. Yuyintang, 9pm, RMB 50 (students RMB 40)

Rock 0093: Locals Solo Trip, Bremen and 拉拉缨 do their thing in Yangpu. Live Bar, pm, RMB 30