Lark vs. Owl refer to their music as "the new hard rock," which is the sort of self-aggrandizing statement that I can totally get behind. While a duo of multi-instrumentalists utilizing ukulele, glockenspiel and loop pedals - not to mention the very name of the band - may not smack of hard rock, there's a certain fiery energy that lurks at the heart of Lark vs. Owl. Look no further than their blistering cover of Suicide's "Rocket USA" for proof that this band means business. With their feet planted firmly in the alt-rock fatalism of the '90s, Lark vs. Owl may not be the type of band to soundtrack your house party, but there is a certain downer conviction to their music that might've convinced you to write some lyrics on your sneakers, back in the day.

LARK VS. OWL, w/ Back From Hiatus, the Past Impending, Photon Pharaoh, 8 p.m., Bob's Java Jive, 2102 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, $5, 253.475.9843