30

SUNDAY

Though their lineup has changed since the early half of the ’80s, the Cynics have never stopped pounding away at the same few chords. The band’s not-exactly-trademark sound—the result of guitarist Gregg Kostelich’s songwriting—combines Nuggetsesque ’60s rock, R&B, and a touch of out-there psychedelia a la Blue Cheer. Sure, it’s nothing new, but when done just right, the music somehow remains as exciting as ever. And with the spotlight of the moment focused on bands such as the Strokes and the White Stripes, maybe it’s time to give a group who beat and beat and beat those bands to the garage-rock punch a little bit of credit. The Cynics play with Charger Street Gang and Fee Foe V at 10 p.m. at the Metro Cafe, 1522 14th St. NW. $8. (202) 588-9118. (Jacob Long)