The Little Penguins is a band born out of inactive Seattle institution the Turn-Ons. Turn-Ons drummer Will Hallauer fronts the band; respected producer and solo artist Erik Blood is its guitarist. Like the band that hatched them, the Little Penguins sing brooding songs crafted in the Britpop tradition, though there’s a definite West Coast surf-rock flavor to the whole thing. This is not the earnest indie pop that’s been dominating Seattle lately: it’s darker than that, and better for it. The band plans to release a third album this Thursday at what the band claims will be its last show of 2010. There’s something special about the Little Penguins’ songs that translates even in small, dingy rooms with shitty sound. In fact, that’s just the kind of place you want to hear Hallauer’s melancholy lyrics. With Elder Mason,Tango Alpha Tango, Horde & The Harem. SARA BRICKNER

Thu., Sept. 30, 9 p.m., 2010