While it’s worth checking out Toronto artist Elliott Brood’s twangy alt-country, it’s Michael Vermilion’s depth that will suck showgoers in. Given Vermillion’s history, his current gig as a roots and folk singer-songwriter who also spins as DJ Sad Bastard at Havana on Mondays isn’t as surprising as one might think. The deep-voiced singer and nimble-fingered guitarist is all about trying new things. In the 1990s, he was a founding member of San Diego’s Gogogo Airheart, a serious experimental punk band; a few years ago, he was the bassist for Seattle’s post-hardcore outfit Vendetta Red. Now, he’s released his first solo album, Last Night on Earth, and covers Townes Van Zandt’s “Waiting Around to Die” live while sounding like a younger, healthier Tom Waits with a better vocal range. And his show this week is the last time for a few months to catch Vermillion live: He’s heading to the Netherlands in December to lay the groundwork for his next album.

Wed., Dec. 3, 9 p.m., 2008