Long-standing West Seattle cow-punk boogie band Memphis Radio Kings is now Hondo II, a compact two-piece version comprised of singer/guitarist Charlie Beck and drummer Tony Leamer. Where MRK was earnestly in pursuit of a defining sound, Hondo II takes a more stripped-down approach. Keeping what worksuptempo, effects-ridden, pop-rock anthemsthe band enlisted producer Graig Markel (Band of Horses, Nada Surf, Brent Amaker and the Rodeo) to steer their new EP Goodbye, Paraguay! towards clean and balanced tones, free of extraneous noodling, but full of resonant guitar, some light-handed synth, and well-appointed harmonies accented with just a touch of distortion. With Dead Man, John & Kirsten (of the Black Crabs). GWENDOLYN ELLIOTT
Fri., Oct. 14, 9 p.m., 2011
