The Two Sides of Sebadoh

For a band that hasn't recorded an album in ten years, Sebadoh sounded as sharp as ever. Lou Barlow and Jason Loewenstein traded guitar and vocals throughout a two-hour set that drew heavily from the delayed Sub Pop reissues of Bakesale and Harmacy. Bob D'Amico backed them on drums.

Barlow tunes such as “On Fire,” “Skull,” and “Together or Alone” felt full if over-rehearsed, but it was the earnest quality of those songs that made him a darling in the indie-rock set. When Loewenstein was at the helm, the performance felt scrappy and alive, as he infused older sides such as “S. Soup,” “Crystal Gypsy,” and “Not Too Amused” with a newfound urgency.

This dichotomy was a reminder of what makes Sebadoh so engaging. Punky, hardcore riffs and fuzzed-out bass — played louder than it probably ought to be — all grounded by pop consciousness.

• Concert: Sebadoh
• Date: February 23
• Venue: Casbah
• Seats: GA