Pollens, Tartufi, By Sunlight, Silian Rail
(Barboza) As mentioned in these pages before, Pollens rank as one of Seattle’s most inventive pop groups. They’re masters of captivating, interlocking African rhythms and dazzling, intricate vocal interplay among their well-oiled, gender-balanced, six-person lineup. Pollens’ songs take flight through melodies that flow in unexpected yet catchy patterns over serpentine percussion foundations, lifting things far above indie-pop orthodoxy. Silian Rail play advanced-level math rock that’s as pretty as it is convoluted, falling somewhere between Polvo and Don Caballero. Bay Area trio Tartufi aren’t as frenetic as Pollens nor as angular (yes, no other word will do) as Silian Rail, but their alluring, arty rock complements both groups’ sound. You might not flip your wig tonight, but you will raise your brow to “high.” DAVE SEGAL
