27

MONDAY

Avid video-gamers know all about the software glitch “fogging.” It occurs when a flurry of on-screen action is too detailed for the computer to handle and it renders the scene in a cloud of white mist. In the past, the Texas-based quintet Bedhead purposely fogged its songs: Whenever a lyric was too direct it was whispered, and if a melody was too distinct it was subdued. For its third CD, Transaction de Novo, Bedhead has upgraded to a more powerful processor and acquired a lot more confidence. Sounding vaguely like Galaxie 500 without the rolling bass lines or a more lucid Low, Bedhead now delivers its minimalist pop with maximum punch. On Transaction de Novo, producer Steve Albini forces the band to own up to each word, each note, each beat, and the result is a starkly beautiful collection of songs. Bedhead is joined by Wheat for a night of slow, sad songs at 9 p.m. at the Black Cat, 1831 14th St. NW. $5. (202) 667-7960. (CP)