Canada, oh Canada! Your contributions to the musical landscape of our generation have been splendid and varied. You've birthed not one but two of the most obnoxiously gigantic line-ups that ever existed in the history of rock & roll (Arcade Fire and Broken Social Scene). On the opposite end of the spectrum, you've also nurtured one of the tightest power trios in recent memory. Plants and Animals are often overlooked in the shadow of their more bombastic and eccentric Canadian brethren, but the streamlined muscle of their sound is worth a double-take. The songs are ragged and compact, overdriven guitar chords strutting like a stray mutt in a trash-strewn alley. Plants and Animals draw heavily on the music of their southern cousin, forgoing arty pretension in favor of lean rock music with a very slight Americana twist. Warren Spicer howls and croons with a crackling, emotive voice that recalls Toby Leaman of Dr. Dog. The harmonies are sparse and beautiful, a folky tenderness breaks through occasionally (especially on tunes from their two earlier releases, Parc Avenue and La La Land) and the influence of 1960's music is heavily evident throughout. Their sound trims the paisley shirts and psychedelia of their influences and leaves nothing but well crafted, crunchy rock and roll that sticks in your teeth.

At the Crocodile tonight! Show starts at 8 pm. Tickets are $12 ($14.50 with fees).