NOVEMBER 2

Mercury Rev’s third album has all the trademarks of the band’s past work—rock songs slathered in loopy arrangements, framing even loopier lyrics. But See You on the Other Side has a bold new pop sensibility. Former vocalist David Baker was largely responsible for the band’s old sophomoric ‘tude, but songwriter/guitarist Jonathan Donahue has taken over as frontman, and he sees the Rev as a serious band with high-art intentions. There are occasional lapses into silliness (the soul diva disco of “Close Encounters of the Third Grade”), but “Everlasting Arm” and “Young Man’s Stride” are craftily constructed arrangement-rock numbers, showcasing Donahue’s skill and proving Baker’s departure a boon. With Tone at 9:15 p.m. at the Black Cat, 1831 14th St. NW. $8. (202) 667-7960. (Christopher Porter)