There are approximately a dozen bands releasing new albums this week in the Twin Cities, many of which are rounded up in the Local Gig List. The Friday Five is just one way that I try to keep up with the onslaught of new music being offered in the Twin Cities; each week, I lay out a handful of the best videos and other tidbits to surface locally. Enjoy!

1. Wiping Out Thousands rattle the Entry

Miss the much-buzzed-about Wiping Out Thousands release show last weekend at the Entry? Videographer Kyle Morgan has you covered. This high-def recap video gives viewers a great sense of the show, and then some. Dramatic!

2. Laarks channel X-Files in new video

Eau Claire band Laarks (which features Peter Wolf Crier's Brian Moen on drums) have a new album, Fiat Lux, on the way soon. To preview the new release, they filmed a seven-minute-long, X-Files inspired video that seems more like a mini-movie than a music video.

3. Self-Evident

In Self-Evident's world, City Pages is called The Feedbag and they're on the cover of this week's issue. Also, a splatter-paint artist faces a creative dilemma. Follow the plot in this new video by Northern Outpost, featuring a track off their latest We Built a Fortress on Short Notice:

4. Omnitrigger test out the Nether Bar

Local hardcore band Omnitrigger will be among the first local artists to test out the Nether Bar, a new venue located in the basement of Mill City Nights. They'll be joined by Kitty Rhombus, Sorry OK, Protector the War Pony, and Bongonya.

5. Unloved Children give us a blast from the past

Hat tip to blogger Nokohaha for unearthing this vintage gem from 1984 that features Minneapolis band Unloved Children. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find much info on the band beyond this video for their song "Cat's Got My Tongue." Anyone know more?