At first listen, Brooklyn’s Telepathe sounds like two stoned hipsters singing karaoke over a worn-out Kelis demo. At second listen, it still sounds like that—but it’s easier to appreciate. Busy Gangnes and Melissa Livaudais mew like a pair of stray cats over stumbling drum machines and synthesizer bleeps a la Crunk Hits Vol. 3. But there’s something appealing and even catchy in their rambling rhythms, primarily because Telepathe casually strolls into territory that most art-punks find confounding: modern R&B. Of course, a thousand listens aren’t going to make your run-of-the-mill Alicia Keys fan any more likely to jam out to a song such as “Chrome’s on It”—but, if you’re already into the Raincoats’ slanted charms, Telepathe will surely be your bag. Telepathe performs with the Kills at 9 p.m. at the Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. $15. (202) 667-7960.