Liam Finn/Laura Veirs

Wed., May 21, 7:30 p.m., $19, World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400, worldcafelive.com.

by John Vettese

rock/pop

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If all you know of Liam Finn is the tedious parade of press likening his music to his dad's — that would be Neil of Crowded House — it might astonish you to hear that the younger Finn is way more "Baby Britain" than "Something So Strong." Last year's I'll Be Lightning (Yep Roc) is a delightful set of jangly, jaunty indie rock recalling Elliott Smith and fellow Aussie Ben Lee, with none of CH's '80s overgloss (and minimal stylistic similarities). While the famous last name probably hasn't hurt his career too much, the difference between how Liam is sold and how he actually sounds is refreshing. At World Café next week, Finn will be joined by Oregonian Laura Veirs (pictured), another artist thriving on the element of surprise. Following a string of pleasant but unremarkable releases, Saltbreakers broke out strong pop melodies to coalesce with the established storytelling smarts, making the tour de force one of 2007's best. Aided and abetted by a tight backing ensemble, Veirs proves that singer-songwriters can rock, too.

Wed., May 21, 7:30 p.m., $19, World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400, worldcafelive.com.