Codeine, Barely Real (Sub Pop)

Seemingly laid-back are Codeine whose forthcoming Barely Real (Sub Pop) is comprised of six dirges gently sung by bassist Stephen Immerwarh, that make up a song cycle. A trio with John Engle, guitar and Douglas Scharin drums, their music has a restrained force that threatens to explode, but manages to hold back. Fitting into no category, the sound reaches from the almost industrial “Realize” to touching on jazz with “Promise of Love.”

Codeine with Caterpillar and Vineland: Wed., July 21 at 9 p.m. at Khyber Pass Pub, 56 S. 2nd St., 440-9683.
–Peter Brown