Sun. Nov. 18

Veteran watchers of the pop music scene spot a band name like Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, and can probably surmise it's 1) not from Scotland Yard, 2) doesn't play gospel and 3) isn't really a choir. What it is another of those Chicago-based multiple-musician congregations - what is in that Chicago water? - where more than 50 musicians appear on their self-titled debut CD. The group is anchored by singer-guitarist-keyboardist Elia Einhorn (who happens to be Welsh) and they make orchestral-chamber pop that echoes Belle & Sebastian and the Delgados and mixes all kinds of emotions and musical shades. There's cello, violin, piano, trumpet as well as traditional rock 'n' roll instruments. There's a strong sense of melody, gorgeous vocals, full-tilt rock. Their area debut is at T.T. the Bear's Sunday Nov. 18 with support from Varsity Drag and Swedish Radar. Tickets: $7. Could be the catch-'em before they hit big show of the season.

10 Brookline St., Cambridge,617-492-0082 www.ttthebears.com