Portland trio the Woolen Men carry with them a number of easily identifiable influences that mix together in delightful ways. They bring the '50s rock by way of Violent Femmes, the stately indie pop of Guided By Voices, and the shambolic lo-fi rock of Pavement. It's ear candy for a guy - like me - who finds pop songcraft at its best when stripped down to its bare elements. The Woolen Men find the hook at record speed, juice it until there's nothing left, and the discard the song before heading into another catchy tear. Any time they break the two-minute mark, it's in favor of exploring an idea that can't be contained in a smaller timeframe. Each instrument stands out, distinct from its peers, and forms a sort of jigsaw framework where the separations both show and strengthen the picture.

THE WOOLEN MEN, w/ Metal Heads with Broken Hearts, Annie Girl and the Flight, Young Devil, 8 p.m., Deadbeat Olympia, 226 N. Division St., Olympia, cover tba, 360.943.0662