Nov. 17

When we've been to the Abbey Lounge, at the Somerville/Cambridge line in Inman Square, we've generally been treated to cheap beer and punk-ish rock 'n' roll. That won't be the case Friday Nov. 17, at least when the Boston (by way of San Francisco) band Birds & Batteries take the stage. There's often a hushed sound and intimate feeling about what Mike Sempore and his bandmates, do; but there's also something quietly grand, as well. Some country undertones, too. These observations come from listening to their "Nature vs. Nature" CD. They remind me, to a degree, of the Willard Grant Conspiracy - thoughtful, pensive, chiming, slow-moving, maybe not as sad. Opening up are Aaron and Brett of Frank Smith, then it's B & B (at 9:45 p.m.), LowRedLand and Appomattox. Tickets: $9.

3 Beacon St., Somerville, 617-441-9631 abbeylounge.com