Portland band Ages and Ages, without getting all touchy-feely, has eschewed apathy in favor of forthright optimism. Like the Arcade Fire did a decade ago, Ages and Ages recruit their entire band to sing at once, less for the sensation of catharsis, and more for the feeling of togetherness. Isn't it still sort of remarkable that all of these people have gathered together for a united experience of musical revelry? This magic seems to have gotten left behind, long ago, and now we all sit in cynical judgment of an art form that chiefly means to enrich.

Read Rev. Adam McKinney's features on Ages and Ages in the Music & Culture section.

AGES AND AGES, w/ Stephen Steinbrink and French Quarter, Oh Rose!, 8 p.m., Thursday, June 5, Northern, 414 ½ Legion Way, Olympia, $6