East Williamsburg group Great Caesar takes a scrappy indie rock approach and smooths it out with a fully formed horn section in a slightly messier fashion than popular bands of the ’70s. The band also puts a lot of emphasis on their lyrics (notable when many are washing out vocals under waves of reverb), with their folk storytelling full of clever word play and murder ballads. There’s a lack of polish and a bit too much angst for them to be aligned with chamber or baroque pop bands, but there is a soulfulness that separates them from the novelty sax solos reigning in pop music now.

Great Caesar has a residency at Arlene’s Grocery every Monday in October (including Halloween for those of you still looking to make plans). Admission for each of the shows is free.