Also this issue: Sound Judgments Nostalgia, varnish and acoustic doors: tuning Verizon Hall to the Orchestra -- and expectations. -Peter Burwasser Progress Report Year one in the Orchestra's new home. -Peter Burwasser Rick Henderson -A.D. Amorosi Kara Lafty -Interview by Patrick Rapa Philadelphia Orchestra -Peter Burwasser The Greg Osby Four -Nate Chinen The Go/The Witnesses/Gregg Foreman/The Trauma Queens -A.D. Amorosi Zwan -A.D. Amorosi

December 12-18, 2002

musicpicks

Elliott

Louisville's Elliott graduated from emo into something more majestic with their sophomore release, 2000's False Cathedrals. More sweeping than churning, Cathedrals conveys emo's break with the pomo irony of indie rock and the agro attitude of post-punk using a direct, heartfelt approach that avoids the simpering, melodramatic narcissism that plagues many of the band's similarly minded peers. Infused with atmosphere, there's a grandeur that recalls the gloomy romanticism of The Cure. As capable of the anthemic as, say, Jimmy Eat World, Elliott's touch is a little lighter, allowing the elements to bloom rather than ramming the guitar down your throat. Chris Higdon's bright, airy vocals waft over the mix; though his lyricism is prone to unwieldy metaphor and awkward constructions, it doesn't get in the way of expression, thanks to the band's subtle power and execution.

Wed., Dec. 18, 7 p.m., $10, with Piebald, Koufax and My Chemical Romance, The Trocadero, 10th and Arch sts., 215-922-LIVE.

—Chris Parker