Freezepop, Pink Kodiak ****

“We make fun electro-pop,” says these rising underground stars from Mass. who are currently riding a wave of unexpected —but deserved— buzz for their boldly retro take on melodramatic, dance-oriented ‘80s synth music.

Anyone who grew up on the likes of Depeche Mode, Blancmange, Erasure, Pet Shop Boys, Bronski Beat and even the first Duran Duran LP will probably get a huge kick out of the atmospheric, pulsating anthems and vaguely sci-fi soundscapes of this completely unironic trio. Buoyed by a fast-growing following fueled by word of mouth, social networking site hype and their music’s appearance on a handful of high-profile videogames (including Guitar Hero) and TV series, their unexpected appearance at this bare-bones Starland District beer and wine bar is being heralded by the proprietors as “their biggest show so far.”

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Here's a fan-made video for Freezepop's "Swimming Pool":

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Quirky local one-man “Death-Pop” singer/songwriter Pink Kodiak handles opening duties, as he has for a handful of Savannah gigs in the past few years. Co-sponsored by Black Oaks Savannah. Listen & Learn: myspace.com/freezepop, myspace.com/pinkkodiak. $10 adv./$12 door. Mon., 8:30 pm, The Wormhole (2307 Bull St.).

Citizen Cope ****

The latest in an increasing number of impressive, open-to-the-public bookings by SCAD's Student Activities Council, this show by a NYC-based songwriter/multi-instrumentalist whom The Washington Post declared "the most soulful artist since Marvin Gaye," is sure to draw a large and diverse audience. Known for incorporating elements of hip-hop, blues, folk, rock and R&B into his own catchy, feel-good amalgam, over the past several years Cope (aka Clarence Greenwood) has collaborated with everyone from Carlos Santana to Dido, and sold hundreds of thousands of copies of his albums — one of which received no substantial label support or radio airplay.

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Here's a fan-shot clip of Cope playing a solo acoustic version of his hit "Son's Gonna Rise":

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Though he sometimes appears solo, this tour features his full band, and takes place in advance of the release of his forthcoming album. Listen & Learn: citizencope.com. $15 - $20 adv. ($25 day of show) at trusteestheater.com, 525-5050. Thurs., Feb. 26, 8 pm, Trustees Theater - ALL-AGES.

Nothin' Fancy

To say this venerable, ceaselessly touring acoustic country band is respected by their fans and peers alike would be a supreme understatement. Together for close to 15 years, they were named Entertaining Group of The Year in 2008 by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America. They're a top draw at major outdoor festivals throughout the USA, and even headline their own Va.-based annual musical annual event. Mixing a nuanced take on established arrangements and standards with their own twists and original material, their sound might best be described as equal parts modern, progressive bluegrass and contemporary Americana. As with all the shows at this delightful acoustic listening room just minutes from downtown (known for great sound quality and whisper-quiet, attentive crowds), this show is smoke and alcohol-free, but soft drinks will be available. Listen & Learn: nothinfancybluegrass.com. $25 adv. at 748-1930. Sat., 7:30 pm, Randy Wood's Concert Hall (1304 E. Hwy 80, Bloomingdale) - ALL-AGES.

Lipbone Redding

This NYC-based "voicestrumentalist" does a mean fake trombone, as well as a few other wind instruments (using only his own voice box and some creative breath control), but he's also an impressive and captivating vocalist. Backed by the sympathetic rhythm section of standup bassist Jeff Eyrich and drummer Rich Zukor (both late of the Big Apple neo-cocktail-jazz darlings Dave's True Story), this singing (and blowing) guitarist has developed a laid-back hipster shtick that blends worldbeat, reggae and vintage soul into lighthearted, funky bop (no doubt related to Redding's travels through South America, Europe and India, where he studied throat singing and other ethnic genres).

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Here's a clip of the Lipbone Redding band playing NYC's Living Room nightclub:

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Easily one of the coolest cats (and combos) around, and one that's wowed crowds at this chic, postmodern bar and restaurant several times in the past. No cover. Listen & Learn: lipbone.com. Thurs., 7:30 pm, Jazz'd Tapas Bar. cs