Pheasant is a band of contradictions: while their music is unabashedly joyful and fun, full of driving beats and irresistible hooks, there is an undercurrent of ... something. It sounds sometimes like anger, or maybe bitterness, or depressive resignation. The Portland band lavishes their tunes with horns, sing-along choruses and strummy guitars, but lead singer Matt Jenkins has a hidden depth beneath his swagger, which makes him a compelling frontman. A restless, nervy energy - even on the slower songs - gives off the vibe of a man madly dancing to distract himself from all of the obnoxious input from a difficult world. He's sticking his chin out for the next punch, his face adorned with a shit-eating grin even as he knows the pain that lies ahead. But, on a surface level, Pheasant are a rollicking good time, effortlessly churning out profoundly catchy indie rock, and maybe a little more. 

PHEASANT, w/ Jake Bellows, One F, 10 p.m., Le Voyeur, 404 E. Fourth Ave., Olympia, no cover, 360.943.5710

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