SUPER WATER SYMPATHY
9:30 p.m. Stickyz. $5.
Super Water Sympathy, of Shreveport, La., bills its sound as "water pop," i.e., "a synthesis of classic symphonic ambience with modern ethereal anthems." After listening to a few songs from the band's 2011 debut, "Vesper Belle," and their new single, "Uh Oh!," I'm still struggling a bit with that description.
I suppose there are some ambient elements around the edges of the songs, and there are certainly references to H2O throughout, but for the most part, the band's sound isn't too far from the terrestrial pop of Coldplay or maybe The Fray.
One key difference: Singer Ansley Hughes has a big, bold, sultry voice that gives Super Water Sympathy a big, bold edge over a lot of similar young outfits. The five-piece has had a pretty big 2012, playing the Vans Warped Tour and recording its sophomore album in the U.K. with producer Cam Blackwood, who's worked with Brazilian dance mavens CSS and handled live sound for Florence + The Machine, among other notables.
Opening the 18-and-older show are local indie folk-rockers Free Micah and standout indie rock quartet Whale Fire. Super Water Sympathy and Free Micah play again Saturday at Maxine's.