Created in 2006 as a three-piece, Song Sparrow Research originally cut its teeth as just that - a band exploring the rock based possibilities of a three person, drum, bass, guitar trio. Over time, however, and as is usually the case - interests fluctuated, and new sounds emerged. These days - including Saturday's show at The New Frontier - listeners are likely to hear and see a standup bass, glockenspiel, cello, keyboard and more when the band takes the stage or ventures onto your stereo.

It's a transformation Boyce and Song Sparrow Research - somewhat unintentionally - feel right at home with.

"Whatever we've been, we've been really excited about it at the time. When we were playing as a trio we were really into that," explains Boyce. "Over the last couple years our creative process has changed a little, and we've started playing with more people. The newer stuff feels thick and folky. We've actually developed our sound quite a bit, which is exciting."

[The New Frontier Lounge, with Santee, Xylophones, $2000 Puma, Saturday, Feb. 27, 9 p.m., cover TBA, 301 E. 25th St., Tacoma, 253.572.4020]