In indie-rock circles, fuzzy garage rock was all the rage last year. Ty Segall and Thee Oh Sees got national attention, and thousands of young people found their summer soundtrack when Japandroids went on a long, successful tour. This year is poised to be all about dream pop, garage rock’s more sensitive, depressed cousin. The English quartet Veronica Falls embodies the subgenre’s ethos: Through shimmering guitars, some of their songs lilt while others are a little more propulsive. Roxanne Clifford’s midlevel vocals are melancholy, but not so depressing that you’ll be reaching for a razor. Songs like “Misery” and “Bad Feeling” explore dark themes with energy, nostalgia, and wistfulness. Seeing the band live, you may be surprised by how hard they can shred. By the time “Found Love in a Graveyard” veers from a dour opening to a muscular guitar riff, you won’t know whether to gaze at your shoes or triumphantly thrust your fist skyward. The band won’t have it any other way.

Veronica Falls performs with Cold Showers at 8 p.m. at the Black Cat Backstage, 1115 14th St. NW. $13-$15. (202) 667-4490. blackcatdc.com.