Local act Howler has had quite a year. They were signed by the renowned London-based label Rough Trade, home to the likes of British Sea Power, Belle and Sebastian and My Morning Jacket. NME named them one of the best new bands of 2011, and they're about to kick off a tour with stops in Europe and Japan. With the release of their new album, "America Give Up," 2012 looks to be just as good for the band.

Local music notes from the week of January 9-13

"King for Two Days" premieres next month in Missoula

Dream Brother is solo recording project of One For the Team's Ian Anderson

The Communist Daughter and Friends Like These frontman comes clean

General manager Nate Kranz says the goal is to improve sightlines

British indie duo the Big Pink emerged in the late 2000s with a noisy electro-pop sound that fit perfectly with the electro-influenced strains of indie rock that have been increasing in popularity in recent years.

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Concert promoters AEG taking over old Club 3 Degrees space

Lead singer of the Monks makes a rare appearance