rock/pop

Forget the old, annoying Numbers. For We're Animals (Kill Rock Stars), the San Francisco trio has chucked its most irritating buzzes and screeches and slowed things down. The CD's almost mellow in places, with more melodic and emotional range than they seemed capable of before. "Funny but Sad" even has two memorable hooks: Indra Dunis' sing-songy title chant and Eric Landmark's robotic "I laughed! I cried!" Freed from relentless noise, Numbers step woozily in a couple of new directions. Blurty Moog, distorted riffs and jittery cymbals bring out their rock side on "Beast Life" and "The Fuck You Garage," while "Time Story" explores the sonic spectrum by building from minimalist hum and drum to a rhythmic onslaught. Only after several minutes do they reward patient listeners with the rare chance to dance. Like a shy girl tucking her hair behind her ears, Numbers drop their guard and show the pretty face behind the frizz.

Thu., Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m., with Limited Express (Has Gone?), $8, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 866-468-7619, www.r5productions.com.