Chicago’s Brit-pop collective headline three dates at Schubas to close out 2006, but the more intriguing act tonight is the bluesy, soulful and countrified Catfish Haven, whose “Tell Me” is one of the best local releases of this year. The record eloquently delves deep into the psyche of crooner George Hunter, his relationship woes and losses and regrets. Is it sappy? Maybe a little. But most of the time the band keeps the melody upbeat, with a more alt-country feel than anything else. And even when Hunter and crew slow things down a bit, like on the sweet and warm “Down by Your Fire,” it’s endlessly affecting and pure and true. You can almost hear Hunter’s heartbeat. The Redwalls’ incessant badgering and poking at high-energy Beatlesesque songcraft—complete with mock-Brit vocals—catches you at first, then gets annoying. (Tom Lynch)