October 4–11, 2001

cd reviews|rock/pop

Remy Zero

The Golden Hum

(Elektra)

Remy Zero may have formed in Birmingham, Ala., but they’ve got a sound straight out of Manchester. The Golden Hum brims with epic songs built around resonant guitar, propulsive drums and soaring vocals; think Bends-era Radiohead with a vivacious Yank on vocals. The arrangements are more layered and lavish than on Remy’s ’98 LP, Villa Elaine, a move that works for the most part. "Strawberry Fields"-esque strings augment dueling arpeggios and spacey licks on the standout "Out/In." "Save Me" starts out simply with rickety harmonics, pulsing bass and echoing beats, but progresses into deft strumming and feedback. At the same time the band has a tendency to lay on the drama a little too thick. Cinjun Tates’ ostentatious wailing combines with a bombardment of power chords to bring down "Glorious #1." Conversely, "Over the Rails" lets a fantastic intro go to waste when a driving riff gives way to mellow strumming and chipper vocals, then belts right back up for the chorus. But these moments notwithstanding, The Golden Hums’ sonic expansiveness makes for a provocative song set and is a refreshing break from conventional U.S. alterna-rock.

—John Vettese

Remy Zero will perform Sat., Oct. 6, 9 p.m., with Travis, $20.25, $23 day of show, The Electric Factory, Seventh and Willow Sts., 215-627-1332, www.electricfactory.com.