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The Mighty UnderdogsDroppin’ Science Fiction***1/2

Serious these Dogs are not. Despite their indie-hop supergroup status, The Mighty Underdogs, featuring emcees Gift of Gab and Lateef the Truthspeaker, have crafted a debut album that is a kaleidoscope of inventive fun, eschewing the normal too-serious vibrations of independent rappers.

Mr. Gab says as much on the album’s second track: “For this one we not keepin’ it real, because we droppin’ science fiction.” And track to track, producer Headnodix delivers an instrument-based wallop to go along with the two rappers’ adventurous wordplay. Especially fitting is the song “Science Fiction,” which features an 8-bit-esque loop moving at a lightning quick pace.

Droppin’ Science Fiction falters only when it slows down. The first time a Martini-lounge groove comes up, on “ILL Vacation,” it’s offset by some seriously tight flow. But as this quieter, less bangin’ motif pops up again and again, a little too much drag is added to the Dogs’ rocketing spaceship.

An example: When the terrific gangsta-rapper call-out “Laughing at You” finishes–with it’s banging beat and weird hyena-laugh cut up–the album segues into “Escape,” a lyrically dexterous but musically sleepy number. I get the attempt at greater variety, but it just doesn’t feel right.

Still, the pure rhyme craft on display here overwhelms any musical imperfections. With guest spots from Lyrics Born, MF Doom, Mr. Lif and a host of others, hip-hop heads will find a lot of nod in The Mighty Underdogs.

The Mighty Underdogs play tonight at Satyricon, 8 p.m., $12.

O’deathBroken Hyms, Limbs and Skin**1/2

This recent blast of nu-Americana needs to end. I mean, yes your band is “roots-y,” but the banjo and fiddle aren’t featured in a lot of modern music for a reason. Very often, and especially in the hands of newly minted “country folk” enthusiasts, these instruments sound like crap.

Such is the case with O’death and their Appalachia-inspired barnburners. But despite this and the reedy squeal of lead singer Greg Jamie (annoying!), the band’s music is not without merit. “Home,” is a downright nice ballad-y rocker. And O’death earns points for keeping things up-tempo and nearly punkish throughout Broken Hymns. Not to mention the fatalistic lyrics and gospel-like chanting, which are right up my alley.

But it’s telling that the band’s best songs are those in a more guitar-based indie-rock vein, such as “A Light that does not Dim” or “Crawl Through Snow.”

Drop the country bumpkin pretense and stick to rockin’, dudes of O’death. The world will thank you for it.

O’death plays at the Doug Fir Lounge on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 8 p.m., $10

CavesGet On With It**1/2

Imagine Caves’ new album, Get On With It, as a pie.

The filling is classic ’80s Brit pop, warmed up and gooey. The crust is flakey, danceable indie rock, a la Modest Mouse. On top is a little bit of spicy custard with a darker flavor. There’s also a questionable aftertaste of Police-ish ska.

Overall, it’s a tasty but passing fancy.

While the power of lead track “Curiosity” is undeniable, opening with looped horror-synth stabs, and staccato, plucked guitars, most of the album is a more middling affair. Caves are workmanlike in their song construction, and Get On With It is certainly sturdy with its hooks, it’s just not particularly memorable.

The first slice of Get On With It is good, but you won’t be going back for seconds.