August 83 might look familiar to you: Amy Kidd

Spare Parts is known to locals for high-energy covers of everyone from Heart and Pat Benatar to Lady Gaga and Michael Jackson. But when the band went in to record originals at Red Tree Studios in Magnolia, a change was in order.

“We felt like it was a good idea to separate the two bands,” says vocalist Linda Lambert.

For original shows, the band is known as August 83, an homage to the month and year guitarist Mike Lambert married Linda. It was just two days after Hurricane Alicia hit Houston. (They’ll still perform cover shows as Spare Parts.)

“It was crazy — mismatched tuxedo shirts, water in the church and a very noisy honeymoon night at a nice hotel packed with families who were without power,” Lambert recalls.

August 83’s new disc, Music From Bedrooms, includes five originals and a sprightly cover of the Pretenders’ Brass In Pocket. (“Everyone loves when we play it live, and it relates well to today’s pop music.”) It’s an elegant, adult sound — completely unlike most of what’s coming out of Houston’s music scene. Pop for grownups.

“We really wanted to create songs that would stand the test of time and not sound dated in 10 years,” Lambert says. “We called it Music From Bedrooms because we originally worked on the songs in extra bedrooms. And a lot of life and music happens in the bedroom, too.”

Lambert has a gorgeous, lilting voice that gives standout tunes Living Without You and Pages in Between an arresting quality. (She cites Karen Carpenter and Linda Ronstadt as prime influences and was a top 10 finalist in the 2009 Pride Idol competition.) Those vocals are ably backed by her guitarist hubby, bassist Marco Yepez, keyboardist Jeff Ball and sax player Dan Carpenter, who gives the entire thing a brassy edge.

Lovin’ Things is an up-with people riff on the money-can’t-buy-happiness adage, complete with rousing chorus; and Angels Above You is the disc’s most complex track, a guitar-fueled call for spiritual guidance. The songs are at once familiar and fresh, but never obvious.

The group has been mixing originals in during its cover sets, and the response has so far been “great.” There are also hopes for more shows as August 83 in the new year and placement in TV and films.

“With cover songs, you have an established blueprint. You’re trying to replicate the song and do it justice,” Lambert says. “With your own music, there’s an element of the unknown to deal with. It’s a lot more personal and emotional.”

Music From Bedrooms CD release. 5 p.m. Sunday at Capone's, 4304 Westheimer. With Staci's Edge. Free; 713-840-0010 
or august83.com.