Theoretics is exactly what the Seattle hip-hop scene needswhat any scene looking to maintain an edge needs, reallyat the moment: a funky fresh infusion of live instrumentation and Jurassic 5-style lyrical showmanship. The seven member-strong outfit isnt earth-shatteringly original or mind-bogglingly good. They sound a bit like a mix between The Physics and The Saturday Knights, who sallied forth into the local consciousness riding a wave of hype and good intentions only to sort of peter out. But Theoretics doesnt seem to have that kind puffery stalking them right now, which is a good thing. Itll give them the space to continue making danceable, feel good tunes that sound like this city looks in the summer. (With Gravity.) KEVIN CAPP
Mon., May 17, 7:30 p.m., 2010