Not to be confused with other indie acts whose names start with “Crystal”—Castles, Antlers—Brooklyn’s Crystal Stilts eschews Nintendocore noodlings for fast garage pop played on real instruments. Crystal Stilts released its debut LP, Alight of Night—an acclaimed collection of singles and an eponymous EP—in late 2008. On it, distant surf guitar and Ambien-addled vocals recall the Jesus and Mary Chain (“The Sinking” and “Love is a Wave” would fit in with the warm fuzz on Psychocandy) and the Velvet Underground. You could dismiss the Stilts for emulating groups that already have more than enough apostles, but it’s easier to fall in love with the tribute they pay their influences.

CRYSTAL STILTS PERFORMs WITH THE LADYBUG TRANSISTOR AND COTTON CANDY AT 9 P.M. AT THE BLACK CAT BACKSTAGE, 1811 14TH ST. NW. $10. (202) 667-4490.