In 2008, the young Ontarian John O’Regan entered a hospital—for treatment of his Crohn’s disease—as the guitarist and singer of a punk band called The D’Urbervilles. O’Regan spent much of his lengthy stay writing music, and he emerged recreated as the flamboyant synth-pop alter-ego Diamond Rings. The sharp songs of Diamond Rings skew towards the 80s New Wave, à la The Human League—glamorously moody tones paired with deep, deadpan vocals—and O’Regan androgynously visualizes the retro feel with his rainbow eyeshadow, bleached mohawk, and wildly patterned tights, as exhibited in his choreographed music videos. On the other hand, the bumping beats of songs like “Show Me Your Stuff” (which is unfortunately not included on Diamond Rings’ full-length, last year’s Special Affections) could easily pass for a sparkling and modern Robyn or Lady Gaga club-banger. In bringing out his more bombastic self, O’Regan’s also created an intriguing synthesis of old and new. With Noddy, PS I Love You. ERIN K. THOMPSON

Thu., March 10, 7:30 p.m., 2011