Tonight’s Concert Pick: The Sounds at Union Transfer

The Sounds have just one, humble mission in this world: to dance. Or at least, that’s how it feels after listening to the back-to-back fist-pumping anthems that make up the Swedish five-piece’s latest album, Something To Die For. Though The Sounds have drawn comparisons to pop-rock bands such as The Killers and Paramour—complete with good looks and trendy clothes—the group’s music serves more as an indie kid’s alternative to admitting they like Lady Gaga. All the essentials of ’80s dance are stuffed into just a few seconds ofSomething to Live For, from techno-meets-chamber-music chanting to the repetition of key phrases in an oddly low Darth Vader voice to the heavy emphasis on keyboarding. Delve a little deeper though, and lead singer Maja Ivarsson’s angsty vocals give the group a sharper edge than any 80’s dance revival wannabes. The Sounds perform with Natalia Kills, The Limousines, and Kids At The Bar at 7:30 p.m. at Union Transfer; tickets to the all-ages show are $18–$20. —Marielle Mondon