When was the last time you had the chance to stand out in an open field on a clear summer night and just observe the stars? In this age of convenience, you don’t really have to: Knife in the Water takes care of the hard part and channels the starry night through your hi-fi. Few bands have as much of a grip on atmospherics as this Texan quintet. On its recent CD, Plays One Sound and Others, the drums are brushed lightly, the vocals are enveloped in a sweet haze, and the lush sounds of a Hammond organ seal the mood. But this is no wan snooze-fest. Knife in the Water may not resort to experiments in dynamics, but its passion is palpable and its songwriting top-notch. With Phaser at 9 p.m. at the Galaxy Hut, 2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Free. (703) 525-8646. (John Davis)