POP MUSIC REVIEW : Stereolab and Unrest at Whisky

Quirky pop is alive and well, but taking on new forms, as cutting-edge bands Stereolab and Unrest proved Thursday at the Whisky. The groups are part of a bill that’s attracting arty indie-rock fans and industry folk alike who are interested in a buzz surrounding both bands.

Stereolab’s two keyboardists conjured up boss melodies that would have made the Archies proud and could’ve fueled endless Twister commercials 20 years ago, while the rest of the band generated a buzzing and thick blanket of rhythmic noise. The English sextet’s live sound was surprisingly melodic and catchy compared to the disconnected pile-ups of distortion on the new and critically acclaimed album, “Transient Random-Noise Bursts With Announcements.”

Other nostalgic but weirdo sounds from Moog synthesizers--like a groovy, ice-skating-rink vibe--wavered over driving, go-go style beats. Vocalists Laetitia Sadier and Mary Hansen, both with the opiated and euphoric lilt of the Velvet Underground, bounced vocals off of each other in displays of harmonic brilliance. Stereolab’s sound is derivative like every other band today, but its clever blend of the bizarre and obvious makes its sound unique.

The Washington trio Unrest played teddy-bear-soft punk rock that was sweeter and more cream-filled than a Twinkie, but fairly ineffective after Stereolab’s all-encompassing set.