Not long ago, Margot and the Nuclear So and Sos had even more band members than words in its name, numbering eight in its mini-orchestra. Only three of them remain, plus three new friends (a net loss in personnel, nonetheless), leaving behind the cello and trumpet and chamber charm in favor of something with more guitars, more blues, more kick. But stripped down to a traditional band set-up, they also whisper more from that missing haunted space perfect for their tense poetic portraits of complex, confused and ultimately humorous characters — slightly psychotic friends, bloodthirsty protagonists, and always, lovers who turn their backs. With Jookabox, Burnt Ones. MARY PAULINE DIAZ

Fri., Nov. 19, 8 p.m., 2010