21

TUESDAY

Elf Power shares more than a city with Olivia Tremor Control: Both Athens, Ga., groups share a taste for the mystical epic (OTC’s 1996 Dusk at Cubist Castle is an obvious predecessor to EP’s 1998 CD When the Red King Comes); both share members with Elephant 6 labelmates Neutral Milk Hotel; and both know how to dress up lo-fi pop in psychedelic garb. While Elf Power looks to be a Yes for the indie crowd—the CD cover looks like a Roger Dean original, circa second grade, and all the songs take place in the fantastical Red King’s domain—When the Red King Comes is no Tales From Topographic Oceans. Andrew Rieger’s dreamy singing recalls the Apples in Stereo’s Robert Schneider, not Jon Anderson, and Elf Power’s songs are tight, fuzzed-out gems rather than sidelong synth solos. See Michael Stipe’s current faves along with fellow Athenians Fablefactory (featuring McLean expat Davey Rathgeber) at 9:30 p.m. at Galaxy Hut, 2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Free. (703) 525-8646. (CP)