Slutty Hearts' recent EP, Bones in the Snow, opens by referencing Nancy Sinatra. It's a fitting introduction to the Slutty Hearts ethos, which shares some qualities with Sinatra's spooky romanticism. Dark garage pop gems positively drip from the mouths and fingers of Slutty Hearts - devoted exercises in melodicism and attitude.

Like the Violent Femmes (or Seattle's Pillow Army, for that matter), Slutty Hearts' band name tips off the listener with opposing and contradictory terms. Yes, there's an element of sleazy party-hardy energy to their music, but there's just as much swooning vocals and evocative lyrics to counterbalance the danciness.

Read Rev. Adam McKinney's full feature on the Slutty Hearts in the Music & Culture section.

SLUTTY HEARTS, w/ Vox Mod, Back From Hiatus, 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21, Bob's Java 2102 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, $5, 253.475.9843

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