Competition is good for the soul. Competition improves us. It’s all about our competitive, Capitalist society, right?

Yeah, screw that. It’s time to fight rock with rock. No, not rocks; we’re not gonna be throwing stuff in this classroom. Play nice. I’m talking about the musical variety.

Do show up at the Empty Bottle this Friday if you like great music – Sybris is opening for The Life and Times (the website seems to be down) and have been gearing up for this show since 2004 with tons of new songs (look for a new album soon). You may remember my experience the last time I tried to take pictures of them at the Metro. Well, the Empty Bottle isn’t so restrictive.

No, they have nothing to do with the romantic getaway hotel, but a slight connection can sometimes be made when Angela greets her audience with, “Hello, lovers.” Admittedly, their music is often sensual and dare I say it, “sybaritic,” while hard and loud at the same time. Angela’s vocals will remind you a little of Edie Brickell, but the memory will soon fade as the Phil’s guitar and Shawn’s bass build to hard crashing crescendos that make you look around for the full orchestra. You’ll feel like you’re floating, but you’ll recover face down on the floor. In a good way. Don’t take my word for it, though, check out some of their mp3s for yourself.

I’ll make a deal with you, Lauren. I’ll go to yours if you go to mine.

The price is $9, and $1 will go to the American Red Cross for Tsunami Relief. Suffrajett (another down website) will open first at 9:30.