After taking a short break since 2010’s album, Personal Life, Portland-based trio The Thermals are back with a new set of the kind of straightforward lo-fi melodies they’ve become known for with their latest album, this year’s Desperate Ground. While relatively simplistic in style, tracks like “You Will Be Free” show the kind of rock panache that’s helped the band buddy up with Death Cab For Cutie front man/indie-icon Ben Gibbard who helped them get signed to a label. And they’ve appeared (more than once) on the soundtrack for TV hit Weeds. Anybody looking to fill their night with even more angst-riddled punk should show up early to catch Total Babes. The band’s sole release, 2011’s Swimming Through Sunlight, stays true to a similar lo-fi punk formula without sacrificing any energy or attitude. (Jacob DeSmit)