VIDEO OF THE DAY — THE VAN ALLEN BELT: “OUT TO LUNCH”

On albums such as 2007’s Meal Ticket to Purgatory and 2010’s Superpowerfragilis: Or How I Learned to Stop Caring and Love the Drug, Pittsburgh four-piece the Van Allen Belt has created engaging psychedelic pop rooted in 1960s melodies and harmonies, albeit with an edge reminiscent of the Fiery Furnaces. Led by singer Tamar Kamin’s dreamy vocals and multi-instrumentalist B. K. Ferris, the band continually offers up surprising diversions, throwing in a touch of Las Vegas lounge here, some progressive rock there, with even a little military march for good measure. The band has a very simple reason for being: “We stand for the advancement of human civilization. You can try to stop us, but you will fail.” The Van Allen Belt is coming to New York this summer for a series of shows beginning June 21 at Goodbye Blue Monday and June 22 at Lit Lounge, then will be back July 8 at Pianos and July 9 at Cameo Gallery. “I know it’s been a while / Since I showed my mug around these parts,” Kamin sings on “Lovely in Akron,” continuing, “I think I’m gonna smile / And that’s like a good start / So tragic is this city / But I wouldn’t know / When I’m in it with you.” You can be in it with them in this none-too-tragic city on a tour that should highlight songs from their upcoming album, Heaven on a Branch, along with original animations and paintings by Peter Luckner.