The local pop scene is still going strong these days, and so is Deathray, a Sacramento-based quintet made up of Dana Gumbiner (vocals, synths, guitar), Greg Brown(backing vocals, guitar). Victor Damiani(bass), Max Hart(keyboards), and James Neil(drums).

For the college kids who are not yet familiar with Deathray, run out and listen to their self-titled “2000 Capricorn” release.

If you like 80s pop rock like The Car’s, then you’d love their debut single “My Lunatic Friends,” especially “Only Lies.”

Acoustic guitar lightens up their sound in “What Would You Do.” “Check it Over” is an energetic number with harder rock chords. Keyboard/Synth heavy “Baby Polygon” is a calmer side of Death, incorporating a talkbox with the vocals.

Max gets to sing into the plastic hose onstage, which is a particular favorite gadget of mine that they use. Personally, one needs to see them live to appreciate their quirky rock style. Dana’s thumbs-up, foot kicking dance moves add to the music.

Max spazzes out behind keyboards and effects boxes with more energy than monkeys in a cage. Greg and Vic are a little more subdued but their playing is especially tight, having played together for years.

Check local venue listings for Deathray gigs. They have one coming up in mid-November, as well as a CD release for fellow poppers, “Pop Gun.”

Dates: Saturday, Nov. 11 at Old Ironsides.