Over the years, guitar-drum duos such as Local H, The White Stripes and The Black Keys have proved that less can be so much more in the world of heavy rock. Add Colorado’s In the Whale to that list. Guitarist Nate Valdez, who has also gained attention for his day job (as of 2015) at a mortuary, and drummer Eric Riley have released four EPs of catchy, grunge-influenced riff-fests (soon to be five with the release of “Dopamine” in August). Since 2015, Bendites have had plenty of chances to see this sludgy duo open for such acts as Atlanta sleaze rockers Nashville Pussy, Portland psych-rock group Black Pussy and one-man band That 1 Guy at Volcanic Theatre Pub. On Sunday, the band will headline the venue, with The Exbats and The Rifle opening.

In the Whale, with The Exbats, The Rifle: 9 p.m. Sunday; $8 plus fees in advance, $10 at the door; Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend; volcanictheatre.com or 541-323-1881.