Tonight: Yeasayer at Neumos, Josh Rouse at the Triple Door

Yeasayer, with Sleigh Bells. Neumos, 925 E. Pike St., 709-9467. 8 p.m. Sold out. Brooklyn's Yeasayer released their arty, psychedelic debut All Hours Cymbals to rave reviews in 2007, but it was their sophomore record, February's Odd Blood, that rocketed them to the huge wave of popularity they're currently riding. Odd Blood is Yeasayer's stab at making a pop record - songs like "O.N.E." have high-gloss sounds and immediately catchy choruses - but with its mesh of Middle Eastern, 80s, disco, and African influences, it's far more experimental than Top 40. Weird and expensive-looking music videos for "Ambling Alp" and "O.N.E." have gone viral, completing Odd Blood's sleek pop package. It's all proved to be a winning formula, too - Seattle's been in a frenzy lately trying to find last minute tickets to this beyond sold out show. ERIN K. THOMPSON

Josh Rouse. Triple Door, 216 Union St., 838-4333. 7:30 p.m. $20. All ages. There's a fine line between being totally, undeniably smooth and over the top schmaltzy, especially with singer-songwriters. Thankfully, Josh Rouse sits on the effortlessly smooth side of the fence. Originally from Nebraska, Rouse relocated to Spain 5 years ago for a change of scenery, and watching the infusion of a slow, quiet life in a small Spanish village into his intimate, folky repertoire has been like watching an artist gain a brand new voice. Yes, "guy from Nebraska goes Latin-influenced" looks pretty awkward on paper, but Rouse's obvious love for music and playful attitude (as well as drawing from a well of influences that include Paul Simon's world-aware folk and the supple bossa nova of Joao Gilberto) results in some pretty vibrant, eclectic music. GREGORY FRANKLIN