Monotonix plays the Echoplex on Thursday, and prospective attendees should hide their beers, protect their cellphones and be prepared to rethink how they view a rock show.

The Israeli trio hates playing on the actual stage, instead opting to rock out in the audience, on the audience, atop the bar, in the bathroom -- and don't be too surprised if the 40-something singer Ami Shalev ventures outside the club to climb a tree and sing from a branch.

They take the antics of Gogol Bordello, the raw power of the Stooges, and meld it with a type of performance art that's equal parts house party, Marx Brothers and chaos.

In support of their new album "Not Yet", produced by legendary engineer Steve Albini, Shalev spoke to Pop & Hiss by telephone, noticeably happy with their sophomore offering, released through Drag City on Tuesday.

In The Times' Sunday Calendar this week (Jan. 2), editors and writers have canvassed the pop-culture landscape and singled out a few artists as ones to watch in 2011. It wasn't easy, as plenty easily deserved the crown. Stay tuned to Pop & Hiss in the coming days for other acts to watch for in the months ahead. For now, here's a look at one that will be featured in Sunday's paper. 

Who:The Belle Brigade

L.A. clubgoers might be used to seeing only half of Barbara Gruska, the rest of her obscured behind the drum kit she's so ably pummeled working with artists such as Jenny Lewis, the Watson Twins and Inara George. But now she’s ready to share every bit of her talent. And it's major. The Belle Brigade, her band with kid brother Ethan, shows off her big, memorable voice and considerable charisma within songs that gleam with hooks and pour over with earnest emotion. Matthew Wilder, the producer who helped No Doubt figure out how to go national, is working with the Gruskas on the band’s Warner Bros. debut, slated for an April release. A January Spaceland residency should expand the fan base captured by the band's exhilarating live sets; by summer, its misfits anthem “Losers” could be a top 10 hit.

A complete look at all of The Times' music picks for 2011, which include those in jazz and classical, can be found here. 

-- Ann Powers

Photo: Warner Bros. 

In the month of January, the Belle Brigade will be staging a free Monday night residency at Club Spaceland, 1717 Silverlake Blvd., Los Angeles.