Brakemouth bears certain similarities to fellow Portland artist, Hands In: Both are one-man bands, utilizing preprogrammed beats beefed up with live guitar, and both manage the plate-spinning of such an endeavor with admirable aplomb. But, while Hands In uses this technology to craft shambolic psych-pop, Brakemouth tends more toward the anthemic alt-pop of the mid-'80s to early '90s. Injecting elements of the Cure, Stereolab and the Smiths, Brakemouth's music hits that certain sweet spot for those of us that like to cry and drive. The music is fist-pumping and heart-rending in equal measure, which creates an effect that suggests a full band in stadium mode more than one guy on a stage in a small club, as you'll find when Brakemouth performs in the iconic Java Jive.

BRAKEMOUTH, w/ Not From Brooklyn, Future Fridays and the Sound of Speed, 9 p.m., Bob's Java Jive, 2102 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, $5, 253.475.9843

See Also

Calendar: Arts and Entertainment

Calendar: Music and Nightlife