This is maybe the second or third time we’ve suggested the Pica
Beats in this space (first for 2009!), so go and see them
already. Bandleader Ryan Barrett is one of Seattle’s finest (and
most under-rated) emergent songwriters, and his band’s sophomore album,
Beating Back the Claws of the Cold, was among last year’s best
local releases, full of persistent melodies, endearing instrumental
arrangements, and lyrics that are sensually vivid yet narratively
vague. With brainy, heart-on-sleeve guitar shredders X-Ray Press
and San Francisco’s Sleepy Sun. (Sunset Tavern, 5433 Ballard Ave,
784-4880. 9 pm, $7, 21+.)