Chapel Hill
Astronomers
The CaveAs the name suggests, Charlottesville quartet Astronomers favor an expansive, stargazing sound. Guitars circle like satellites through eccentric, chiming orbits. Though the bright, busy tones get exotic and ethereal enough to suggest shoegazers, they’re much more restrained, grounded in a straightforwardly melodic sensibility like a less adventurous Muse or caged Doves. Frontman Nate Bolling’s moody baritone croon could definitely find a home across the pond, but the jagged churn of tracks like “Or Maybe It’s Nothing” melds post-punk slash to an elegant Britpop sweep. For a relatively new band they’re remarkably assured, with an impressively fanciful sound. Tonight, they join Where the Buffalo Roamed and Doombunny at 10 p.m. Tickets are $5. See www.caverntavern.com. Chris Parker
