The Soft Pack

The Soft Pack, which changed its name from the Muslims a couple years back, combines peppy, jangly guitar pop with singer Matt Lamkin's all-star deadpan. It's a simple but potent formula—sounding more affecting than ever on the SoCal indie faves' new one, Strapped—and the Pack will show it off at two Union Pool gigs this weekend. Energetic surf-rockers Sundelles open Friday, while Vivian Girls/Woods spin-off the Babies sets the stage on Saturday.