Providence-based experimental indie band Roz and the Rice Cakes just released a new single on Team Love Records today called “Close Encounter.” Before listening to this song, I wouldn’t have described them as experimental, but this single is a big shift from their previous sound. They’re trying out new things in the realm of noise and melody, with a more free form style than their earlier pop-influenced alternative style heard on songs like “Magma” and “Castle.”

They’re playing a hometown show at the Providence Public Library on Friday night, and judging by the description on the Facebook event page, which describes a “curated set design that will put the bands and audience in the middle of a magical galaxy,” and Classical High School Jazz and Rock Band is listed as one of the openers, I would recommend not missing this one. “Close Encounter” is available for download now, and hand-pressed vinyls made by Future Oak Records will be available for purchase at the show.