“Hey Sandy” by Polaris, best known as the theme song to The Adventures of Pete and Pete, has generated a great deal of Internet discussion regarding its indecipherable words. Tera Melos’ cover version doesn’t clarify the mysterious third line – actually, it further obscures the vocals – but it does surgically reattach the haunting refrain from the Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” to the otherwise perky tune’s midsection. “Hey Sandy” appears on the trio’s free downloadable EP Idioms Vol. 1, which also includes prog/jazzy revamps of Rivers Cuomo, Clash, Pixies and Beach Boys tracks. These familiar melodies might provide a foothold for the uninitiated as they attempt to process Tera Melos’ math-rock computations. But even people who find Tera Melos’ recordings as inscrutable as “Hey Sandy” lyrics should be able to appreciate the virtuosity on display during its shows, which are all about two-hand tapping guitar solos and power-rolling rhythms.

Thu., Jan. 22, 7:30 p.m., 2009