Portland's experimental punk trio U Sco molds elements of prog, math rock, and free jazz into a landslide of noise that's much more than the sum of its parts. This has firmly established the band as one of the best live acts in the city—at least, for those who can stand high volumes. While U Sco's improvised sound seems better suited for live shows than the studio, 2014's Treffpunkt is one of the best instrumental noise-rock records to come along in years. U Sco's ability to drift seamlessly from one idea to the next, while somehow always maintaining a unique, accessible, and playful energy, makes me want to be a fly on the wall during a practice session to see what's coming down the pipeline. Tonight they're on the bill with Hang the Old Year, whose new three-song EP, Exit Out, is an extended suite of melodic noise. CHIPP TERWILLIGER