The Hard Way's new album, Tell Me When You Can't Breathe, has beautiful artwork on the cover. A fluffy, yet hearty-looking dog rides on the bow of a sailboat, eager and attentive. The sailboat dog is brave as a giant wave looms ahead and black clouds sit heavy in the sky, cushioning the backlash of an angry lightning bolt. But as much danger as the scenario presents, there is a child-like calm that prevails. I have not heard the new album, but I do have intuition. And something tells me that all those descriptive words could be used interchangeably with the music the Hard Way so deftly crafts. See for yourself at their CD release party, this Friday at McCoy's.

[McCoy's Tavern, with Glass Elevator, Mona Reels, 9 p.m., $3, 418 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, 360.352.0696]