Depending on whom you talk to, June of 44’s ship has either run aground on the sandbar of mediocrity or set sail into fascinating uncharted waters. The quartet’s latest full-length, Anahata, is a striking departure from the increasingly rote, Slint-influenced math-rock the band has perfected over the past four years. The disc maintains many of the band’s typically diverse and challenging approaches, but explores territories only hinted at by the more experimental tracks on previous efforts. The opening track, the propulsive, desperate “Wear Two Eyes (Boom),” introduces a soundscape that, while still exhibiting some growing pains, could prove to be the band’s boldest statement yet. Anchored by one of the best rhythm sections in independent rock ‘n’ roll, bassist Fred Erskine and drummer Doug Scharin, June of 44 appears tonight with Three Second Kiss (whose latest release draws from the same math-rock school with surprisingly solid results) and Helen & Pete’s Youngstown Smokers at 9:30 p.m. at the Black Cat, 1831 14th St. NW. $8. (202) 667-7960. (John Davis)