What would "sunshine" pop sound like if it grew up on the west side of Cleveland, informed by the bitter winds of Lake Erie? Simple: Herzog. Nick Tolar and company's mesmerizing power pop is driven by extremely well-crafted melodies echoed by chugging, warped guitars. The songs are colorful and urgent, bright with their moments of bloodthirsty. It's Brian Wilson alone in a garage with a copy of "In Utero" and a fuzz pedal. It's wonderful and quite paradoxical; slacker rock with a purpose.

Herzog performs Thursday, November 14, 8:30 p.m., at the Bug Jar, 219 Monroe Ave. $6-$8. bugjar.com.