San Diego's Tristeza makes escapist instrumental pop (think modern soundtrack music) that is gratifying to listen to and genuinely transporting in a live setting. A quintet comprised of former punk rockers, Tristeza's keyboard- and guitar-driven music reflects band members' experiences by sounding seasoned and accomplished, but perhaps more importantly, their sound exemplifies the group's fine taste--melodies are generous, songs are relatively short, and every sound is essential.

2000's Dream Signals in Full Circles is one of the kindest records to spend a sunny afternoon with. It's warm and hopeful--easy listening for smart people. Live, Tristeza is moodier and more overwhelming. During one of its shows, I was deeply moved when the band managed to quietly eclipse Cursive, the revved-up and emotionally embellished group Tristeza was playing with that night. And if the gleeful audience pressed up against the stage was any indication, I wasn't the only one who felt that way.

Tristeza is (among a small handful of instrumental bands, like Couch) capable of pleasing just about anyone who hears the band. While its songs are insular by virtue of being instrumental, an abundant pop buoyancy, relatively brief song lengths, and lots of repetition (including choruses) make Tristeza inviting and engaging. The band's spirited live shows come on thick and gooey, largely improvisational and geared toward beauty. And real beauty happens. Tristeza lulls the listener into a dreamlike calm.

Tristeza has a clean sound: guitar leads are undistorted, and each note rings; bright keyboard parts are tastefully layered over a gentle rhythm section kissed by jazz and founded in indie pop. Happy melodies seem to come effortlessly, and their overall feeling is light, dizzying, mildly narcotic. Watching Tristeza live, I couldn't help but assume that these guys keep neat, ordered living spaces--clean, excellent, and virtuous.