Gettin’ A Bit Cozy w/Cozy Galaxies at North Star Bar Dec. 30

There’s something strange about Cozy Galaxies and their self-titled LP, which was released late summer. On the one hand, the five-piece (formerly known as The Major Leagues) crafts really lush, clean, and picturesque soundscapes – ones that, in regards to both technical and emotional reverence, sweep you away with its driving rock swells and marching dream-pop coating. But on the other, the Philly (by way of Lancaster) outfit throw in random sprinkles of lyrical defiance – or, by Tipper Gore standards, “explicit” vocabulary – like “bullshit”, “motherfucker” (“Clean Yourself Up”), and “shit” (“Dreamer”). It’s not confusing or disturbing. More like weird and unexpected – a sort of wake-up call from the inevitable reverie you’ll slip into when listening to their songs or, rather, while watching them live like you will tonight at North Star Bar. They’ll work the stage with other noteworthy locals, like Giant Mind, who smolders with their irresistible soft-spoken slithers and red-light rock-jazz; Ah, Wilderness, who takes it back with jangly, ‘60s psych-pop; and Flamingo, who’s absolutely tempting with their one-two punch of dripping-sex vocals and ripe-tide of guitar riff come-ons. Tip: this show is best paired with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, tea light candles and some brie, but I somehow don’t think that you’ll be getting all three at the North Star, unless you sneak in your own. North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St., 8pm, $8, 21+ – Annamarya Scaccia