There's a slinkiness to the Harvey Girls that damn near undeniable. The Portland trio combines a music history lesson's worth of influences into something that resembles a soul-singing diva fronting an art-pop group from the UK or New Zealand. The arrangements are simple and sprightly, forming a skeletally charged structure that hums with energy. When they're not evoking bands like the itchy vibe of the Feelies, the sunshine of Tall Dwarfs, or the erudite pop of the Kinks, the Harvey Girls dip their toes into the burbling waters of electronica, even approaching IDM at certain points. It's in their electronic excursions where their truly genius construction shines the brightest, as the soulful vocals drown in a sea of moody, trembling synths. Also, they call themselves "mushicore," after their cat Mushi, and that's maybe the most adorable thing ever.

THE HARVEY GIRLS, w/ Blackstone RNGRS, Tender Age, No Body, 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 7, Northern, 414 ½ Legion Way, Olympia, $5

THE HARVEY GIRLS, w/ Wheelies, Neighbors, Fruit Juice, 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, Bob's Java Jive, 2102 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, $5, 253.475.9843

Smile Like Gwynplaine from the harvey girls on Vimeo.