Wolf & Cub

Wolf & Cub

Vessels (4AD)

Time to put to rest the comparisons bet-ween Wolf & Cub and countrymen Wolfmother based primarily on the names. The latter play bong-quaking retro rock, while the former deliver bong-rattling retro rock. Touring together hasn't helped matters, but there are more-than-subtle distinctions between the bands. And it's a difference that's as pronounced as the one between Their Satanic Majesties Request and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. On their debut, Vessels, Wolf & Cub trick it up with psychedelic homage, like the "No Quarter"-esque phase-shifting of "Hammond" and the just plain weird "Uptown Girl"-style mind blow of "Conundrum." Hell, there's even something resembling a disco beat behind "This Mess." While the name-based comparisons between the two acts are like herpes – they're never going to stop coming back up – there's plenty to miss here if you make the easy, been-there, heard-that dismissals, even if it's still mostly just stoner rock. (Wednesday, March 14, Emo's Main Room, 8pm)

All Showcases Subject to Change