Experimental indie-pop will fuse with international pop to rock this week's Roustabout!

The pop duo Oppenheimer, which hails from Northern Ireland, and Virginia natives Shapiro will play tonight at The Darkhorse Tavern, 128 E. College Ave.

Although both bands are new to State College, they say their music will keep students' attention.

"Our shows have aspects of a rock band," Oppenheimer guitarist Rocky O'Reilly said. "We move around a lot and try to keep things upbeat."

Shapiro drummer John Granofsky agreed that the band's music is energetic.

"The shows are very eclectic. We keep the energy and intensity up," he said.

Although members from both bands label themselves as pop, Granofsky said it is not the senseless pop that floods the radio airwaves.

"We write accessible songs that are in the pop genre, but we do it with enough musical awareness that it is not mindless," he said. "We have catchy songs and melodies but a deep musical appreciation and knowledge behind that."

Roustabout! Promoter Jesse Ruegg said both bands stood out among others looking to play the show.

"We book bands based on the merit of their music," he said. "These two bands had great songs, and their sounds will create a great cohesive show because they both incorporate elements of electronics."

Both bands accredit their distinct sounds to a mix of bands.

"We listen to anything," O'Reilly said. "Some of our influences have been Stereolab and My Bloody Valentine."

Granofsky said his band also has a wide variety of musical tastes, although its main influences have been The Beatles, Radiohead, Thin Lips and Yes.

O'Reilly said his band is very excited about its first trip to Happy Valley.

"Young people here are a lot more open to new music than people in Belfast. Students here participate in our music," O'Reilly said. "We love playing for crowds who get what we're doing."

Even though Shapiro is not battling international barriers, the band members believe that students' openness to new sounds makes playing college towns a success. For Shapiro, the band is more than just a musical union -- it is a family affair. Drummer John and guitarist Nathan Granofsky are brothers.

"It goes deeper than just music for us," Nathan said. "Being family and having known each other for so long helps us write and play with more passion. It is easier to fight through the hard times with them."

Oppenheimer's tour of the U.S. will only last until November.

"We are heading home next month to do some recording and tour around the United Kingdom. In March we will be returning to the United States," O'Reilly said.