Trip tip: Fair to Midland

Wednesday

Webster Theater Underground, Hartford

Nobody asked me, but the answer is: Yes, Fair to Midland could well be the best American rock band going. Theirs is a crunching, arty brand of progressive metal riding the insane waves of Darroh Sudderth's voice - which, despite the limitations of human biology, melts from post-Adam Lambert operatics to uniquely witty demon howls. That they're in this tiny room is a true opportunity because to see them up close in frenzied glory is a spectacle. Don't know 'em? Hit You Tube for "Dance of the Manatee," "Coppertank Island" or "Walls of Jericho" - just as a wondrous sampling from two pretty terrific full-length albums. Doors open at 6 p.m. Wednesday at 31 Webster St., Hartford; $12 advance, $15 day of the show; (860) 525-5553.

- RICK KOSTER