This trio: What a bunch of nerds! A big dude doing lightly funky bass. A skinny, shorter dude with glasses is playing the drums. Is this the cast to a touring company of “Superbad”? Do I even need to tell you that they come from deep in the heart of New Jersey?

But then you meet the third member of Screaming Females. Marissa Paternoster’s spiritual godmother must be Ally Sheedy’s glum tomboyish detainee from “The Breakfast Club.” But Paternoster’s her own…hell, she’s practically her own industry: doing the band’s artwork, singing lead, and playing fierce guitar.

Listen to the breakdown of their song “Fun” or the flashy twists with which they finish “Buried in the Nude.” Though Screaming Females is a classic little indie band, no one’s got them pre-packaged when they arrive at Skull Alley Tuesday night. Consider them as a simple group of kids having fun while showing off their instrumental chops. Make sure they get around to their take on The Jackson Five’s “I Want You Back.” Maybe it’s time to retire the cover of “Cortez the Killer” — but still, what a concept. –T.E. Lyons

Screaming Females
Dead Friends
Tints

All Ages
$5; 6:30 p.m.
Skull Alley
1017 E. Broadway
749-9541