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18

MONDAY

Purveyors of stadium-style rawk have only a few ways left to serve it without looking too silly: with all apologies to Sabbath’s rhythm section (think Fu Manchu), with a kowtow to Neil Young (think Built to Spill), or with rampant alcoholism (think Guided by Voices). Former Frodus guitarist and singer Shelby Cinca chooses the second method with his project the Cassettes, which has become a full-time effort with the release of the band’s self-titled debut. The disc lacks Frodian punk angst but has all kinds of passion; the band’s retro-radio rumblings, piano and synth hooks, and straight-ahead rhythms have musical DNA designed to last all the way to Rocktober. The Cassettes play with Moody Lemon at 9 p.m. at the Black Cat’s Backstage, 1811 14th St. NW. $5. (202) 667-7960. (JW)