The Stepkids, a hooky, space-age Bridgeport soul trio that sounds like Bobby Patterson on an absinthe bender, headlines Friday's multi-band bill at New London's Hygienic Art Park.

The 'kids' self-titled debut album was released in 2011 on Los Angeles' Stones' Throw label; Mojo called it one of the year's top 25 albums, and Spin placed it at 19 on their top 20 soul albums. Definitely seek out the video for their infectious "Legend in My Own Mind" single and look for cameos by fake Lemmy, fake Neil Young and fake Buckethead.

A sophomore album is tentatively scheduled for release in the fall.

The Stepkids have also toured internationally with acts like the Horrors and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - and their swirling-neon stage show is terrific.

The evening's lineup, presented by I Am Fest, also includes Bearstronaut, Street People, The Guru, The Weird Beards and Slander.

- RICK KOSTER

The Stepkids, 5 p.m. Friday, Hygienic Art Park, 79-83 Bank St., New London; also, Bearstronaut, Street People, The Guru, The Weird Beard and Slander. $10 suggested donation; (860) 443-8001, hygienic.org.