Fan-Tan’s origins lie in the college town of Chapel Hill, N.C., which has sparked the musical careers of the likes of Superchunk and Archers of Loaf and more recently, The Love Language. The quintet’s distinctive “city” sound – dark, mysterious and alluring – probably disoriented the town’s residents and sonically clashed with other local musicians. Now based in Brooklyn, Fan-Tan is comfortably playing shows with artists that compliment its synth-pop sound such as Cale Parks and Led Er Est. On the band’s second EP “The Age of Discovery,” the urgent vocals compel the vivid guitar and looming bass with an overlay of atmospheric, subtle synths. The music is full of dramatics and tension, and it has an unyielding ability to remain in listeners’ heads for days. To celebrate the release of “The Age of Discovery,” Fan-Tan will be playing with New Zealand’s Surf City at the Mercury Lounge on March 26. Tickets are $10. – Nancy Chow