Three things have made the Thermals a consistently winning and likable outfit

Three things have made the Thermals a consistently winning and likable outfit since their formation in 2002: brash, punky attitude; giddy energy; and an insightful amount of soul. The trio’s fifth record, last year’s Personal Life, is no exception. It’s aptly named, as all the song titles read like diary entries; the Thermals can get away with being heart-on-sleeve because their lyrics are so smart and effective. That’s true on the doggedly loyal “Only for You,” the teary, self-castigating “Alone, a Fool,” and particularly on the up-tempo, very bitter “Your Love Is Strong”: “Your love is so strong/It cracks at the slightest touch/Your love is so strong/It crumbles to dust.” Burn. But bitterness is reality, and the best love songs, if they’re telling what’s true, aren’t always sweet and dreamy. The Thermals are one of the most fun and upbeat bands to see around these parts–even if you’ve already seen them a million times–and tonight’s lineup at Neumos is stellar, with Unnatural Helpers and White Fang opening.Tonight’s all-ages show starts at 8 p.m.; tickets are $12.