26

MONDAY

With respectable U.K. chart success and a nomination for Best New Act at 2000’s Q Magazine Awards, JJ72 has made a name for itself overseas. And now, the Irish trio is poised to infiltrate America. The band’s plan for success? Play power ballads with a Suede-like flair. Singer and guitarist Mark Greaney’s riffs crescendo into soaring, arena-size hooks underneath his androgynous (if not superhuman) falsetto, which is slightly less ladylike than Geddy Lee’s. The recurring soft-loud dynamics border on formulaic at times, but just as you’re about to get bored, the band throws in a steady rocker to keep you on your toes. JJ72 plays with Pete Yorn and Remy Zero at 7:30 p.m. at the 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW. $15. (202) 393-0930. (Dave Powers)