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Dreamy Swedish duo Korallreven doesn’t want to bum you out like fellow Swedes jj. Nor do they want to freak you out like The Knife. Korallreven is more concerned with layered dance-pop that soothes as it moves. On its debut LP, An Album by Korallreven, the act specializes in the blissful, carefree sounds of summer, with a disco-lite touch. Just look at the song titles: “As Young as Yesterday,” “Loved-Up,” “A Surf on Endorphins.” You get it. It’s a record of upbeat electronic songs, but the vibe is more sway than par-tay. The band’s sunny music is flecked with a wintry mix, and a sharp turn away from member Daniel Tjäder’s other band, downbeat shoegazers The Radio Dept. Tonight’s show in the cozy backstage at Black Cat will be Korallreven’s second live performance in the United States. Don’t forget your surfboard. Or your endorphins. Korallreven performs with Young Magic and Stout Cortez at 8 p.m. at Black Cat Backstage, 1811 14th St. NW. $15. (Reese Higgins)
MUSIC
Krishna-minded art-poppers Prince Rama perform with locals Pygmy Lush at 9 p.m. Comet Ping Pong, 5037 Connecticutt Ave. NW. $10.
Perennial R&B heartthrobs Boyz II Men perform at 7:30 p.m. at the Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. $59.50. (!)
Dip set: Rapper Jim Jones performs with Ninjasonik, Nyemiah Supreme, and Skotch Davis at U Street Music Hall, 1115 U St. NW. $15.
BOOKS
Russian journalist Masha Gessen reads from her book The Man Without a Face, her account of the repressive tactics used by the government of Vladimir Putin against its critics. At 7 p.m. at Politics & Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free.
GALLERIES
Louis Jacobson says you should see “In Vibrant Color,” an exhibition of color photographs from the cover of the New York Daily News‘ Sunday magazine from the 1930s to 1950s. It’s on view at the National Portrait Gallery, 8th and F Streets NW. Free.