The Chicago indieists’ first album for Matador Records—and first without original guitarist Ian Adams—sounds more considered and slightly fuzzier than past efforts, a bit like Sonic Youth on a Spiritualized bender, or maybe it’s the other way around. Far from a lame listen, but also a far cry from distinctive.
The Ponys
Turn the Lights Out **1/2
With Chin Up Chin Up. November 11, 10 p.m., $5. Beauty Bar, 598-1965.