When multi-instrumentalist Eric D. Johnson isn’t playing with The Shins, he’s touring with Seattle-based folk rock quintet Fruit Bats. The band stuck to their rootsy sound with their first three releases, occasionally fleshing out production with electronic flourishes, but dipped their brush in a broader sonic palette for 2009’s The Ruminant Band. Johnson’s music and lyrics carry a constant current of optimism, like in “When U Love Somebody,” a shining example of their talents that sums up the glory of love in four simple verses. Portland psychedelic twang rock fivesome Blue Giant provides support.
Fruit Bats with Blue Giant, Saturday, March 13, 9 p.m., Crowbar, Ybor City, $12.
