Whether it’s the plodding ponderousness of Pelican or the anarchic squall of Godspeed, a good number of the instrumental post-rock bands trodding the boards these days have a certain seriousness about them. Although Toronto’s instrumental titans Do Make Say Think aren’t exactly post-rock’s answer to the Polyphonic Spree, there’s an animated agility to their music that’s refreshingly joyous. Although far from “loose,” DMST manages to meld brass and string sections with the thudding drums and expansive guitar lines in a way that feels quite organic and alive. In concert, these eight Canadians bring their full sonic force to bear on audiences, coming across more like a shaggy and smiling hipster attack orchestra than a bunch of dour rockers trying to make a point. With Years, Charles Spearin (the Happiness Project). JASON FERGUSON

Fri., Feb. 5, 9 p.m., 2010