The repetitive, name-checking band name is obnoxious, but very new band Molly Shannon, Molly Shannon (MSMS for short) could be forgiven for their sin. They came together in the "awful, awful winter" of 2007–2008 and their songs are shaky, like they're still shivering from the cold—even the optimistic "Bianca Montale" feels desperate for warmth. But their songs are also intriguing experiments of loose instrumentation constantly on the verge of collapse. My favorite of the three songs they've posted online (all named after women) is called "Yvonne Craig." Its distorted vocals sit low in the mix, under a mellow and emotionally spent guitar. It sounds like Lonesome Crowded West–era Modest Mouse without the vitriol.

Visit The Stranger Bands Page at www.thestranger.com/bands to hear MSMS and tons of other local artists.