Two of the influences cited by Dames do well to encapsulate their particular charm: Mac DeMarco and Tacoma's own (possibly defunct?) Makeup Monsters. What all three of these groups have in common is a certain embrace of a slacker ethos, which presents not as apathy, but as a shaggy energy. Instead of having a blasé attitude to match their laid-back vibes, Mac DeMarco, Makeup Monsters and now Dames, all have a deep, abiding love for catchy songcraft and a reverence for the godfathers of outsider pop such as Jonathan Richman and Gordon Gano. Dames make sunny indie pop that isn't afraid of hooky backing vocals ("oohs" and "aahs" abound) and reaches back as much for classic inspiration as it does reach out for the trendy jangle of today. 

DAMES, w/Hunnywell, Evan Main, 7:30 p.m., Sanford and Son Library, 755 Commerce St., Tacoma, $5 donation, 253.272.0334

See Also

Calendar: Arts and Entertainment

Calendar: Music and Nightlife