Little Pieces’ upcoming EP, The title of Little Pieces’ new EP, Vampires Fill Their Waterbeds with Blood, is a quirky, off-kilter selection of infectious, instantly appealing songs that take a few listens to really absorb. The first track, “I’m A Bull,” swings like a surf-rock garage band, while “Windless,” the EP’s other notable track, shows Little Pieces’ sunnier side. Jolly’s distinctive voice – a cross between Elvis Costello and Ted Leo – is an acquired taste, but a few listens should remedy any misgivings about his utterances. That’s also about how long it takes to notice that Jolly’s off-kilter way of turning a phrase doesn’t always make much sense. Not that Jolly doesn’t know how to intrigue a listener: The EP contains several inexplicable references to an albatross that may or may not be the same albatross. Whether it’s your thing or not, it’s to Jolly’s credit that his music is a far cry from standard singer-songwriter fodder. Photo courtesy Jake Nolte. SARA BRICKNER

Fri., Oct. 23, 9 p.m., 2009