The year-end docket-clearing, band-slighting, speed runs continue at Too Much Rock.

Headlight Rivals' power-popping, heartland rock skewed toward '90s alt-rock a bit more than it used to. Maybe it's the new drummer. Maybe it's the addition of the second guitarist. Of course, the band did soundcheck with Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark" and it later revved up a cover of Big Star's "Thirteen," so the vibe hasn't shifted too far. The Manhattan, Kansas quartet came to the gig straight from the recording studio, so the new songs in the set were watertight. Solid solos. Strong leads. Delightful songcraft. The foursome knew everyone in the small audience. If you told them you were coming to the gig, and you didn't show up, they know about it. And they're judging you. I came and I still feel judged.

Agga Dagga are new to me, but not new. Even without having any preconception of the quartet, it felt like the band was shifting stylistically. Its convoluted indie rock base was constantly eroded with prog vocal harmonies, '70s hard rock gusto, and '80s hair metal flair. The latter shone in the countless guitar solos loaded with bends and hammers. The night also included nice drum fills, Ox-like melodic bass runs, and twinned guitars that were more Maiden than Thin Lizzy. In a new song, a big, dumb riff was accented perfectly by cowbell. It was glorious. They might not judge you for missing this show, but I do.