I tell you this honestly: There was a period of my life when I would walk along with a copy of Coquelicot Asleep in the Poppies by Of Montreal in my CD player, and it truly scared me. Walking the Tacoma streets at night with the schizophrenic pop blaring in my ears was enough to make me question my sanity. Social Studies take this sound and - thankfully - soften it a bit. The super clean, psychedelic pop sounds are still there, but stillness and ease are added to the pot, creating an easier, not quite so disturbing listen. Some songs even venture further into the more comfortable realm of pop-rock, without relinquishing the buzzing baroque that made the band special to begin with. Giving your mind a moment of rest is not a weakness. 

Social Studies

Wednesday, May 19, 7 p.m., all ages
The Den @ urbanXchange, 1934 Pacific Ave., Tacoma
253.572.2280]