Black Whales

Published 7:00 am Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Despite the band’s ominous name, Black Whales make sweet-sounding music. “Young Blood,” one of seven tracks on 2009’s Origins EP, combines sprawling folk with 60s-style pop. (At times, Black Whales sound like an electrified, sped-up version of the Cave Singers.) The result is a song with foot-tapping rhythm and head-nodding lyrics about wanting a different, more charmed life: “Last night I remembered how/ we used to talk about/ getting out of here,” sings vocalist Alex Robert. There’s a sadness and darkness between the handclaps and swirling guitars, revealed in longing lyrics and Robert’s occasionally wailing voice. These songs float and bounce; they’re easy to get lost in. With Slender Means, Derby. PAIGE RICHMOND

Fri., June 11, 9 p.m., 2010