RECOMMENDED

Variant is one of those monthly club events where, musically, just about anything goes. What began as a primarily dub techno and dubstep-oriented event has slowly evolved into a night with incredibly eclectic programming. Variant has hosted guest DJs spinning everything from deep house and minimal techno to dubstep, electro and Chicago house. The combination of the intimate space and the music-driven policy at Lava allows for more freedom in musical selection, not to mention a platform for local DJs to shine. Best of all, the event is always free. The featured guest for this month’s edition of Variant is Antiphase from the Naughty Bad Fun Collective. Antiphase, a professed vinyl addict, has wide-ranging musical taste that includes Chicago jack tracks, Detroit techno, alien electro, old disco cuts, modern tech-house and more. He owns an impressive record collection, and plans to drop a set full of electro at Variant. Joining Antiphase are Variant residents Matthew Martin (of Meiotic), Merrick Brown and Timid. (Elly Rifkin)

October 21 at Lava, 1270 N. Milwaukee. 10pm.