Nurses

Somewhere in between the tripped-out world of Animal Collective and the earwormy wonderland of The Shins lies Nurses. The Idaho-born, now Portland-dwelling trio’s third full-length may not directly reflect the band’s westward relocation, but it most certainly signals a move in a new direction. Here, in place of the lo-fi, wide-eyed indie pop of their 2009 release, Apple’s Acre, we get slick and syncopated bloops and bleeps. Frontman Aaron Chapman’s unmistakable, high register helps make songs like “Fever Dream” and “Trying to Reach You” feel simultaneously experimental and infectious, strange hybridizations of whimsical harmonies and cerebral electronic percussion. For the music fan who doesn’t want to sacrifice listenability for the sake of eccentricity, Dracula’s a perfect fit. Nurses play SOhO Restaurant & Music Club on Monday, February 27, with Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks. For tickets and info, call (805) 962-7776 or visit clubmercy.com.