Jason Noble’s band introductions on Simple Machines’ Working Holidays live CD are unctuous and grating. It’s a surprise then that he creates something as beautiful—and calm—as the debut from his post-Rodan outfit, Rachel’s. Eschewing the slide-rule-precision rock of his previous band, Noble goes indie-orchestral on Handwriting, a collection of pseudo-classical meditations spotlighting four-string instruments instead of the usual six. The three V’s—violoncello, violin, and viola—mix with clarinet, piano, and vibraphone to create an ambitious and successful break from indie incompetence. Opening is June of ’44, the other Rodan offshoot, whose members still compose through calculus, and Retsin. At 9 p.m. at the Black Cat, 1831 14th St. NW. $6. (202) 667-7960 (CP)