Review: CHERRY GHOST “Thirst for Romance”

Bolton-based troupe Cherry Ghost is surrounded by hype – their debut album, Thirst for Romance, receiving rave reviews, though this listener is not so sure the glowing prose is deserved. [Ed. Note: as it was chosen as an AMPLIFIER Album of the Week some feel it worthy of high praise]. Musically, the UK outfit is good – Simon Aldred’s vocals are subtly twangy and sometimes loutish and the instrumentals swell with honest intensity (“People Help the People,” “4am,” “Roses,” “Thirst for Romance”). But, and it’s a big BUT, it’s all too reminiscent of Chicago-based Wilco, the band behind “Theologians,” from which Cherry Ghost got its band name. The album has too much of an overt Americana vibe that Wilco is known for, and by default Jeff Tweedy’s former band Uncle Tupelo. Cherry Ghost’s debut album is not as stark as that of, what could be its American counterpart. Instead, some of Thirst for Romance’s key tracks, like “Mathematics” and “False Alarm,” are lissom and whimsical, crafting an idiosyncratic atmosphere. Still, those songs can’t make up for the obvious.

–Annamarya Scaccia [May 21, 2008]

Review: POMEGRANATES “Everything is Alive”

The debut album, Everything is Alive, from Ohio-based quartet Pomegranates, is ripe with ripping low-fi indie pop sensibilities. Its an effort reflective of contemporary shoegaze – the harmonizing instrumentals offsetting swaying vocal dynamics that see-saw from sweet, delicate breathes to solid, harsh growls (“Honey Moon Pie,” “Whom/Who,” “Appreciations,” “Thunder Meadow”). The four gents, Joey Cook, Isaac Karns, Josh Kufeldt and Jacob Merritt, can even be a bit enchanting – track “The Uncanny Terrace Treeclimber” is a twinkling, dreamy number with shimmering guitars that swells with toe-tapping goodness. But maybe it’s the small hints of Built to Spill spilling across the record that makes Pomegranates’ newest effort feel familiar. But in the case of Everything is Alive, familiarity doesn’t breed contempt.

–Annamarya Scaccia [May 21, 2008]

Just Do It: Peek-A-Boo Revue Las Vegas Benefit

By Annamarya Scaccia

Sat., May 24, 7:30-9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.-2 a.m., $20, Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 215-739-9684, peekaboorevue.com

If there’s one thing the sultry guys and dolls of Peek-A-Boo Revue want you to do this weekend, it’s to get off your sweet behind and help send them to Sin City. Vying for the title of Best Troupe at the annual Miss Exotic World Pageant for a second year, the burlesque ensemble — and only Philadelphia act competing — is throwing a benefit show to raise a little cash for their Vegas trip next month.

Featuring special guest Phat Man Dee, Saturday’s early show will consist of Peek-A-Boo dancing, singing and bawdy comedy accompanied by their band, the Striptease Orchestra. When the doors reopen for the night’s second act, local rockabilly outfit Full Blown Cherry will join the lineup for rotating hourly performances. Proceeds from both sets will fund travel accommodations. (Additionally, the Striptease Orchestra is throwing its own benefit June 1 at Silk City.)

Although they didn’t win last year, Peek-A-Boo director and performer Lulu Lollipop is plenty proud of the 10-year-old group. “Before this whole burlesque resurgence was all in vogue, we were doing this,” she says. “For our troupe to stay together that long and still continue to pull audiences, I like being recognized for that.”