BUZZ BANDS

Music scions bring it home

What’s in a name? For the three teenage members of the Like -- singer-guitarist Z, bassist Charlotte, and drummer Tennessee -- whose dads are, respectively, producer/record executive Tony Berg, producer Mitchell Froom (Los Lobos, Elvis Costello) and drummer Pete Thomas (of Elvis’ Attractions), the surnames provide instant recognition and some pretty decent musical genes. “Our parents have tried as hard as they can to stay out of the industry stuff,” Z says. “What they have done is taught us everything they can about music.”

The results are impressive. With a sound rooted in ‘60s fundamentals and Z’s ’61 Gretsch Rambler guitar, the band pounds out a thick, assured delivery, both onstage and on self-released EPs. Z’s vocals alternate from whispery yearnings to a throaty snarl. The band performs tonight at the Roxy as part of the Gimme Shelter benefit (with Pete Yorn, Phantom Planet, Lisa Loeb and others) and Friday night at Spaceland. In addition, there’s a Dec. 20 early show at the Echo. With moms, dads, sisters and friends often on hand, the audience can sometimes look like a cross between an all-ages show and the PTA.

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Fast forward

Now a veteran of tour dates with such artists as Willie Nelson, Jewel and Sheryl Crow, singer-songwriter Joe Firstman celebrates his 24th birthday with a show Friday at the Knitting Factory, playing material from his engaging debut album, “The War of Women.” .... Nikhil, the band fronted by former opera singer Nikhil Korula, stirs up its funk/jazz/ska stew on Saturday night at Platinum Live in Studio City.... The Fuse performs downstairs at the Echo on Wednesday to mark the release of “The Fisherman’s Wife.” The punk trio is also on the bill tonight at the Troubadour with two bands from Tarantulas Records, the Explosion and the Lot Six. The latter’s new album, “Major Fables,” was released last month, and the band aims to hook up on tour with the Distillers.... New Orleans’ Supagroup bring big, foot-stomping rock to a pair of small venues this weekend -- Friday at Alex’s in Long Beach and Saturday at Zen Sushi in Silver Lake.

-- Kevin Bronson, with Frank Farrar

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