When the Lashes took the stage this past year at Bumbershoot, the huge crowd of teens and twentysomethings were pressed into each other like the discarded pieces of ABC gum on the wall at Pike Place Market, but that didn't keep fans from screaming, cheering, and dancing for the entirety of the band's hour-long set. It was hot, the crowd was sweaty, and they didn't give a shit—smiles were on every face and hands were in the air from the first note.

It was the band's first show since an accident in May left guitarist Eric Howk paralyzed from the waist down. Howk and Co. didn't miss a beat—they delivered their infectious power-pop with as much energy as ever, and even showcased a few new songs and hinted about a possible future release.

The future is now—with the New Year comes new material from the Lashes. They hadn't played a show since their Bumbershoot appearance, but starting last weekend, to celebrate the release of their new album, Thank You (Side A), the band's been running all over the city, playing live on 107.7 The End, throwing a New Year's Eve record-release party at the Comet, and playing a free in-store at Sonic Boom in Ballard on New Year's Day. On Saturday, January 5, they wrap up their local mini publicity tour with an all-ages concert for the community that has supported them the most—the kids.

The songs on their new release are more of the feel-good pop that brought the band this far. There are plenty of bright hooks and melodic harmonies, keyboards that bring the dance and sharp drums that bring the sturdy beat. Frontman Ben Lashes croons about the girls he loves (or lusts after), with lyrics about text messaging, sunshine, and not wanting to say the wrong thing.

I've always written off the Lashes as a one-trick pony, but I gotta admit, the band know how to craft unforgettable pop songs.

Also on the bill is the new band Ships, which features one of the Lashes (keyboardist Jacob Hoffman) and two ex-Divorcés (Shane Berry and Garrett Lunceford). This new project doesn't carry the same pop sensibilities as their other outfits, though. Their influences (as stated on their MySpace and as evident in the one song I've heard) are "epic soundtracks, smoke machines, and Brian Eno." Clearly the only way that'll ever make any sense is to see it and hear it for yourself. recommended

The Lashes and Ships play Sat Jan 5 at the Vera Project, with Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground and the Lonely H, 7:30 pm, $10.

megan@thestranger.com