CHORES, KLICKITAT, H IS FOR HELLGATE, FEROCIOUS EAGLE (Someday Lounge, 125 NW 5th) While pop acts like the Shins hog all the glory and roll playfully upon waterbeds filled with Cristal, bands like Chores are why Portland pop music is on the map. On the map? Hell, Portland pop is the map. No city boasts as many talented popsmiths as our fair burg, as we’ve established an assembly line of bands that whip up hook-heavy tunes with a comforting ease, and not a single ounce of rockstar pretension. Life Is Hard, the debut EP from Chores is an absolutely flawless gathering of pop songs that work in every setting—from the basement, to the stage, to that waterbed full of imported champagne—from a band that has perfected their craft. EAC

MP3:
Chores - Shopping