TUESDAY

Elephant Six’s widely lamented death (or dormancy, depending on what you read) has already produced at least one lamentable consequence: solo projects. And though goin’ it alone may be anathema to the communal ethic of indie’s best-known collective, that may be the least troublesome aspect of Of Montreal frontman Kevin Barnes’ new effort. To begin with, it’s not just a solo project, it’s a rave—specifically, “A Pollinair Rave,” as the venture is dubbed. Musically, anyway, the show should be just fine: Favorite selections from the Of Montreal catalog are promised along with some new demos, and Barnes won’t be completely by himself—artist and brother David Barnes and Nina Grottland of the Ethnobabes will assist in this evening’s performance. But things are bound to get scary as the program veers into an admittedly loose adaptation of Orpheus and Eurydice. Even more frightening is the prospect of promised slideshow-illustrated short-story readings. If the selections posted on Of Montreal’s Web site are any indication, Barnes’ charming-if-flowery lyrical style can produce pretentious-if-incomprehensible prose. Just try on the opening of “Another Ridiculous Genesis”: “There was a clitoris in a parting of the clouds into which a god in the form of an eagle man fertilized a new obnoxious universe.” Maybe the slide projector will break. Just in case it doesn’t, bring a sense of humor at 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, at the Black Cat’s Backstage, 1811 14th St. NW. $7. (202) 667-7960. (Mike DeBonis)