THE POISONOUS KIND

The third of three killer guitar bands formed by John Reis and Rick Froberg (following Pitchfork and Drive Like Jehu), San Diego’s riff-mad Hot Snakes are back together this fall after breaking up in 2005. The lure? An invitation from their admirers in Les Savy Fav to play next week’s Nightmare Before Christmas festival in England. The group did a warm-up gig in early November at Austin’s Fun Fun Fun Fest, and this week, they hit New York (and New Jersey) for two sold-out shows en route to Europe. Ticketholders are advised to bring earplugs: Judging from evidence available online, Hot Snakes still have crazy bite.

Thu., Dec. 1, 9 p.m., 2011