Eight Gigs: Merdog

Relatively new on the scene, local quartet Merdog played its first show just last fall. Take note, because its debut four-song EP Holy Yes quickly impresses. It's delicate, at times sweet, quiet and restrained. Frontwoman Cynthia Elmore sings her contemplative, moody lyrics with a light, airy and quintessentially indie quality—I am reminded of Canadian indie pop songstress Feist, but Elmore's style is slightly more folky at times. Still, Merdog as a whole definitely reps the melodic alt-rock scene more than the indie Americana—make no mistake there: Plaid, not cowboy boots. Um, forget I said anything. Two singer-songwriters, Cleopatra Degher and Joshua Macrae, open up the show. 1400 E Street, www.facebook.com/merdogmusic.