The Rentals

When bassist Matt Sharp left Weezer, the group he cofounded, in 1998, he traded in stardom for something a bit more obscure. Listening to The Rentals (Sharp’s main project since the mid-’90s), there’s a sense that their songs are targeted at the mainstream, yet the band itself tends toward shyness. Since their 1995 single “Friends of P,” The Rentals’ tunes have been delightfully poppy, but still somehow enigmatic—uplifting melodies pinned down by mournful lyrics. Their new album, The Last Life EP, builds on their past work, offering densely layered (think synthesizers, synthesizers, and more synthesizers) yet delightfully harmonic songs. Expect an all-out rock performance, even though several of the band members are prone to wear thick, face-obscuring glasses. 612-332-1775; www.first-avenue.com