MATT DRISCOLL: ARRRRRRR >>>

Pirate Radio is from Portland, which by definition â€" I believe â€" makes them at least moderately cool, certainly cooler than a band from Algona-Pacific or Roy. Not that there’s anything wrong with Algona-Pacific or even Roy, but Portland is pretty much the indie rock center of the universe right now â€" and for good reason. The funky, equally Motown and ’80s-inspired Pirate Radio fits right in. With light grooves and tip toeing lyrics balanced on tightly crafted song structures and grasping bass lines, Pirate Radio is an eclectic package that seems very worth opening. Olympia will get a chance tonight at Le Voyeur.

[Le Voyeur, with I Was Wizard and Shimmers, Friday, Jan. 30, 10 p.m., no cover, 404 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, 360.943.5710]

Pirate Radio will also play Tacoma's New Frontier Lounge on Sunday, Feb. 1.