Halloween comes early to Long Beach when L.A. Witch take the stage at Alex’s Bar. But the garage-punk group’s sense of macabre menace isn’t derived from costumes or special effects. Instead, the local trio stir up a febrile feeling of dread with such aptly titled songs as “Haunting,” from their 2018 EP, Octubre. Bassist Irita Pai and drummer Ellie English lay down compulsively driving grooves over which Sade Sanchez layers thick waves of shivering reverb guitar. Sanchez’s little-girl-lost vocals add an element of pop enchantment to such lonely garage-rock interludes as “Sleep.” Even a funereal ballad like “BB’s Momma” is steeped in bluesy shadows before vaulting into a psychedelic hard-rock frenzy. The doomy and atmospheric idyll “Heart of Darkness” is another quietly eerie contrast to the faster tunes from L.A. Witch’s self-titled 2017 full-length album. With Prettiest Eyes and Dei Lucrii.

Alex’s Bar, 2913 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach; Fri., Jan. 31, 8 p.m.; $10; ages 21 & over. (562) 434-8292, www.alexsbar.com/e/l-a-witch-with-prettiest-eyes-dei-lucrii-dj-tony-accosta-84658601155.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.