Small Sins

Formerly the Ladies and Gentlemen, Small Sins is the brainchild of one Thomas D'Arcy. Something of a paler, Canadian version of Prince (minus the dance moves and falsetto), D'Arcy writes, plays, and produces nearly every song on his records, including the one he's presently touring behind, Small Sins' sophomore effort, Mood Swings. As for the music, it falls somewhere between the melancholy pop of Grandaddy and the verbose IDM of the Postal Service. D'Arcy hasn't yet managed a full-length that approaches the epic sweep of either of those bands' crowning achievements (The Sophtware Slump and Give Up, respectively), but with song titles like "Drunk E-mails" and "Morning Face," big statements don't seem to be a part of his agenda. His symphonic suites are decidedly more intimate—full of hushed conversations and bottled emotions. "You can stay if you want to, but you can't sleep in my bed," he whispers on "Stay." You might know it's a tease, but good luck resisting. With the Alpha Centauri. 21+.
Tue., Nov. 20, 8 p.m., 2007