The Plurality is Near

The power of three

The Plurals
The Plurals

Lansing, Michigan rock trio The Plurals are all about the power of three. The odd number keeps things perfectly off balance, conveying the messy electricity of lo-fi rock ‘n’ roll, never enough and never too much — a vibe not unlike Portland’s own power-punk trio The Thermals.

“Shit goes from throwbacks,” bassist Nicholas Richard tells EW, “to classic power-pop Big Star stuff, to loud punk with shredding guitar — sometimes within the course of a couple minutes time.”

Richard says members of The Plurals share vocal duties and the songwriting process is democratic, referencing band influences like Nirvana and The Pixies.

“It took us several years before we got more focus for touring,” Richard explains, “but these days we just released a new record, An Onion Tied To My Belt — with national coverage and reviews — and we’re super proud of it,” Richard says. He jokes, “We’ve been doing it for so long that we have no other options.”

The Plurals track “Prolly Knot” is what all punk rock aims for: a massive “I don’t think so,” a catchy tune and squealing guitars. And from “Life’s a Mess,” over a bouncy skate-punk riff, The Plurals sing: “You only want to talk about problems/ Problem is you can’t solve them.”

“I do love the Northwest but haven’t soaked up Eugene much,” Richard says, “so I look forward to seeing what the vibe is there, drinking all of your fine Eugene craft lagers, and sleeping on a fine Eugene couch.”

The Plurals play with Eugene’s Bad Luck Blackouts and Xboyfriends 8 pm Saturday, Aug. 1, at Wandering Goat; $5. 21-plus.