Veteran band Eels rocks out at World Cafe Live

There are a handful of incarnations of the indie rock band Eels, a decades-long project led by Mark Oliver Everett. Over the course of 10 studio albums, the band has been quiet and introspective, aggressive and defiant, witty and sweet, and a spectrum in between. Live shows have likewise covered the gamut, from full string orchestra to rock band to solo Everett and his guitar. This time around, Eels is an all-out rock band.

Five men, wearing dark sunglasses and clad in black Adidas track suits, took the stage Saturday night at World Cafe Live. Strobe lights and special effects were abundant, as were witty stage banter and interludes (including one commemorating the 10-year partnership of Everett and lead guitarist "Chet" with a commitment ceremony). It was, however, the music that defined the night.

The band released its latest studio album earlier this year, Wonderful, Glorious, and the quintet on Saturday covered more than half of the album's material. The evening started with the album's lead track, "Bombs Away," continued its progression with the second song, "Kinda Fuzzy," and ended with the album closer, "Wonderful, Glorious," a rousing crowd pleaser with snappy guitar riffs and a cool bass line. It was so rousing, in fact, that the sold-out crowd coerced the band into two encores.

For all its focus on Wonderful, Glorious, the band didn't abandon the classics, touching on songs from nearly every album it has released. "Souljacker Pt. I" made a well-appreciated appearance, as did "The Sound of Fear" and "Fresh Feeling." One of the night's favorites was in the first encore, a medley of "Mr. E's Beautiful Blues" and the Shrek-featured "My Beloved Monster."

Everett, more than most rock bands and musicians, is an everyman's hero: At nearly 50, he's dealt with tragedy and difficult family relationships; his lyrics are both tongue in cheek and sincere; and his unpretentious vocals, rough and gravelly, allow fans - like those over the weekend - to sing along without judgment and take in an uncommon earnestness.