Brilliant, self-titled, period-perfect power-pop from just yesterday! These Angelenos clearly marinated in the streamline and stripped-down tunefulness of Paul Collins Beat, 20/20, Dwight Twilley, Flamin’ Groovies, and all the other usual suspects. Telephone Lovers ape that dry production and tight, verging-on-distorted guitar sound, midtempo drive, and drawly vocals all the best records of the genre featured. Pick any track – “Downtown Girl,” “Without You,” anything – pop it into your boom box, and find yourself transported into the eternal 1979 of skinny ties and skinnier sounds. Nice attention to detail. (Sat. 18, Hotel Vegas Annex, 7:30pm)

***.5

This article appears in March 17 • 2017.

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Tim Stegall contributed to The Austin Chronicle 1991-1995, and was a staff writer 1995-1997. He returned as a contributor in 2013. He has also freelanced for publications ranging from Flipside to Alternative Press to Guitar World. He plays punk rock guitar and sings in the Hormones.