The Epoxies

Rock/pop

Strip away the blippy synth and Roxy Epoxy's paranoid-android vocals, and all the Epoxies would have going for them is taut power-pop with killer hooks. The Epoxies (Dirtnap) is a manual for becoming the perfect dancing machine. The Portland, Ore., quintet is the future -- straight out of Tron -- and Epoxy's a siren for nerds. She begs aliens to take her away on "Please Please;" "Molded Plastic" is a robot's memoir. They steal from The Cars and walk on the Kim Wilde side, but the guitars and drums are pure garage. Live, they've been known to rip it up with Devo-rivative costumes and special effects. New wave isn't known for its depth, but like the most insinuating '80s cheese, the Epoxies stick with you.

Fri., Aug. 29, 9 p.m., $10, with The Hissyfits, the Jane Anchor and the Blessed Muthas, The North Star, 27th and Poplar sts., 215-684-0808.

—M.J. Fine

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