Self-described as a “hobo caberet,” The Whiskey Romance creates an atmosphere somewhere between a gin joint and jug-band hoedown with their crowd participation-mandatory shows and lively performances. Vocalist Erin Jordan channel’s Pink Martini’s China Forbes and

commands her soaring bravado over the band’s collection of upright bass and cantina-style piano, and convincingly enough that you might look around to double check that you’re still in Seattle. But it’s Slow Skate’s combination of tongue-in-cheek London lounge and just enough cowboy swagger that should give you pause. Relying on a combination of organic, dinky pianos and drums, as well as sleek-but-not-sterile electronica, the band’s sparse compositions are set atop lazy, brushed drums and swooning surf guitar. A definite must see, especially before their full length album comes out in February and they are inevitably discovered by the masses.

Fri., Nov. 14, 10 p.m., 2008