This weekend, Sonic Circuits started their annual festival of experimental music with a bang. And a hiss. Plus a bunch of other sounds that might sound out of place anywhere else. Although some of the shows are planned at small art spaces like Pyramid Atlantic (and have previously taken place at the Velvet Lounge), the first five shows of the festival opted for more formal locations to showcase the acts that came in from the likes of Russia and Austria (and Takoma Park, of course) to perform during the festival. Some of the acts (like Hume and the extremely dynamic Cornel West Theory) would fit in just as well at a rock club, but other acts like Corridors and Illusion of Safety put out the sort of comforting drone that caused many audience members to close their eyes in appreciation. Our photographers caught some of the highlights from the shows at La Maison Francaise and Fairfax Old Town Hall. Sonic Circuits continues tonight at the Strathmore with Gestures, Lost Civilizations and Trophies.