Thanks to Aestheticized Presents' Jack Spatafora bringing road warriors Riddle of Steel to town every few months, the indie band must play Tampa nearly as often as its hometown of St. Louis. Not that I'm complaining. The trio's latest album, 1985, which came out earlier this year, is a rewarding combination of brawn and brains. The lyrics — delivered alternately by guitarist Andrew Elstner and bassist Jimmy Vavak, both capable if not spectacular singers — are more sincere than song titles like "Who's the Fella Owns This Shithole?" and "Total Cougar" might suggest. Sonically, the guitar parts and meter are intricate, but the songs never sound math-y. On stage in Tampa, the Riddle of Steel boys are known for throwing down like it's the night before World War III.
Riddle of Steel w/The Beauvilles/No Recess, 9 p.m. Fri., May 9, New World Brewery, Ybor City, $8.
