AFI
White Oak Music Hall, February 13
It's been nearly 14 years since AFI burst onto the scene with Sing the Sorrow, and it feels like even longer since followup DecemberUnderground was almost too artsy for even its creators to top. That, coupled with a number of issues, led to fans losing interest and a falloff in album sales. The California quartet has spent the better half of the past decade trying to recover, and if the two singles from their forthcoming album are any indication, they very well may be able to recapture that old spirit for a second go-round. "Snow Cats" taps into the moody tones of DecemberUnderground, and "White Offerings" is reminiscent of the aggressive tracks that initially made AFI so popular. MATTHEW KEEVER

BOB SCHNEIDER
Heights Theater, February 18
As singer-songwriters go, Austin’s own Bob Schneider has had one hell of a run. He flirted with mainstream fame around the turn of the decade, and even dated Academy Award winner Sandra Bullock, but soon settled into the life of a working musician. Schneider puts out a ton of music and tours relentlessly, including a stop in the Houston area every few months. However, this will mark Schneider’s first gig at the newly opened Heights Theater, which should make for a nice chance to catch up with the epitome of a modern singer-songwriter. CLINT HALE

AMERICA
Stafford Centre, February 23
Formed in England in 1970 by  Dewey Bunnell, Dan Peek, and Gerry Beckley, the sons of U.S. Air Force members stationed in London, America quickly established itself on their 1971 self-titled debut, which produced the Top 10 singles "A Horse with No Name" and "I Need You." Their lone No. 1 hit, “Horse,” is often mistakenly thought to be a CSNY song by many to this day, due to the similarity in sound to that band. America’s next couple of albums produced the popular single “Ventura Highway” and minor hit ‘Muskrat Love"; the band then had further success working with “Fifth Beatle” George Martin, who produced their next several albums, which produced the Top 10 hits "Tin Man," "Lonely People" and "Sister Golden Hair" as well as singles "Daisy Jane" and "Woman Tonight." America’s songs were huge on AM Top 40 and FM rock radio in the '70s; Peel amicably left in 1977 after their popularity had waned, while Bunnell and Beckley continue on to this day with help from touring musicians. History: America's Greatest Hits is on the jukebox at dive bar Lola’s Depot here in Houston, so you know the band has to be cool, right? DAVID ROZYCKI

POWER TRIP
Walters Downtown, February 24
We can't figure out why Dallas-based thrash-metal gods Power Trip would kick off a tour in support of their new record, Nightmare Logic, in Houston the night of its release; we really don't care, either. Any chance to see Power Trip live is the kind of metal show that will make you appreciate a heavy riff solid guitar work. The support for the tour is a solid pick, too. Iron Reagan will join them to promote their own new release, "Crossover Ministry" (due February 3) and self-described as "18 songs of punk-metal fury." Four more acts – Genocide Pact, Concealed Blade, Krimewatch and Protestor – are included in the $15 cover, giving this show an almost festival-like feel. KRISTY LOYE