Todd Barry

Thu., June 17, 8 p.m., $14-$16, with Mates of State and Suckers, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 877-435-9849, r5productions.com.

by Patrick Rapa

[ box breaker ]

For a sedate, almost soothing comedian, Todd Barry plays a lot of rock shows. It's a brilliant bit of booking, letting him warm up the crowd with his gentle, logical deadpan — then knocking everybody over with some comparatively chaotic indie-pop. This time, Barry opens for married duo Mates of State, whose new album, Crushes, has them reworking Death Cab, Daniel Johnston and more to fit their high-energy, synth-driven pop style. By the time Barry's done, the Mates' Belle & Sebastian cover should hit you like a jolt of caffeine.