Nightbeats: Indie band Spoon to play Napa

THE WAY NAPA GETS BY - If you listen to Spoon’s music from the group’s first album, “Telephone” in 1996, clear through last year’s “Hot Thoughts,” you’ll note the songs are consistently infectious, from the first release to the latest.

After more than 20 years of playing music and performing countless concerts, you might think the indie rockers would run out of punchy tunes with pop hooks, but the band’s ninth studio album proves they’ve still got it.

The band currently consists of vocalist Britt Daniel, drummer Jim Eno, bassist Rob Pope and keyboardist Alex Fischel. Spoon has gone through a few lineup changes through the years, including the recent loss of multi-instrumentalist Eric Harvey, who had been with the group since 2004.

The band always finds ways to retain its identity, yet change its sound just enough to keep you entertained.

The latest album, “Hot Thoughts,” has more of an electronic vibe and it’s the band’s first album without acoustic guitar.

Yet the record still possesses a sound so undeniably Spoon that there’s really no way to mistake the songs for any otherband’s music.

With nine albums worth of material to choose from, there’s really no telling which songs the band will play at its upcoming concert in Napa. Regardless of which numbers the indie rockers choose to go with, and though the show falls on a Monday, most songs are so danceable it won’t matter.

From new songs like “Do I Have to Talk You Into It” and “Can I Sit Next to You” to classics like “The Way We Get By,” which you’ve probably heard if you ever watched popular teen dramas like “The O.C.,” or “I Turn My Camera On,” featured in cult classic films like “Stranger Than Fiction.”

Pro Tip: If you just got into Spoon and want to listen to an older cut, “Stay Don’t Go” off 2002’s “Kill the Moonlight” will hit you “like a tom” with groovy beats, witty lyrics and a funky guitar riff that refuses to let you go once it draws you in.

Details: 8 p.m. Monday, Jam Cellars Ballroom at Margrit Mondavi Theatre, 1030 Main St. Napa. Admission: $32 to $35. Information: bluenotenapa.com

DOUBLE FEATURE AT THE ARLENE - Who needs a double feature at the drive-in when you can catch two amazing Santa Rosa bands play tunes off new vinyl LP’s at The Arlene Francis Center?

First, let’s chat about Slow Bloom’s new five-song release “Hex Hex Hex.” If you’ve never heard Slow Bloom before, let me tell you - you’re definitely missing out.

The group saw the union of an impressive collection of local musicians. Maybe you even recognize the members from previous projects like State Faults, Burn The Ruin, The Vibrating Antennas and Strike To Survive, but regardless of the members’ musical history, this project is special, with its own unique merit. Raspy vocals, gritty distorted guitars and one heck of a rhythm section take you on a wild musical journey.

The single off the new vinyl LP, “Sarcophaguts,” which was recorded in just one take is out now if you want to hear a taste of the new tracks. The song speaks of the desire to feel things are OK during dark times.

And if the music video for that song, where the band is surrounded by dozens of amplifier stacks, serves as a preview for the rest of the release, let’s just say you’ll want to turn your record player up to 11.

Next, let’s chat about Brown Bags, a band I’d call Santa Rosa’s best-kept secret. The four-piece band writes wonderful songs full of honest and profound lyrics.

The record “Twenty-Something Mutant Nobodies” has been in the works since early last year, and the band has spent a long time gearing up for the release by paying attention to even the smallest of details, including the album art.

A listen to “Walnuts” and “(Not) Again” will quickly result with the songs stuck in your head, perfect for a punk-rock sing-along.

Details: 7 p.m. Jan. 26, The Arlene Francis Center, 99 Sixth St., Santa Rosa. Admission: $10 to $15. Information: arlenefranciscenter.org.

Help us keep the beat. Write Estefany at nightbeats@pressdemocrat.com