Also this issue: Lefty Hooks Lefty’s Deceiver picks up new tricks and throws down the rock on Cheats. -John Vettese The Folksman The music world pays tribute to Philadelphia’s living legend Gene Shay. -Mary Armstrong Mallard Rising Synth music avatar David Borden updates the Moog cookbook. -A.D. Amorosi Mary Bichner -Patrick Rapa Haley Bonar -M.J. Fine Mastodon -Paul Burress Fruit Bats -Sam Adams Adrian Crowley -Sam Adams

May 8-14, 2003

musicpicks

The Party of Helicopters

Their new album title implores you to just let go and trust them. Please Believe It, they beg. Check the way Jamie Stillman’s whirlwind arpeggios and power chord patters duke it out with Cory Race’s psychotic 5/4 and 7/8 drum riffs. Admire the ability of Ryan Brannon’s understated bass lines to totally carry songs like "Mic My Mind." Listen to Joe

Dennis’ muted but reeling falsetto. It is rock ’n’ roll, after all; it isn’t all that complicated. The Party of Helicopters are known for boisterous live sets, but the last time these Kent, Ohio, kids played The Khyber they were dwarfed by the seismic rumblings of headliners Earth. Perhaps playing the top-billed spot tonight will set things right. We’ll just have to trust them.

Thu., May 8, 9 p.m., $8, with Lickgoldensky, Holy Fallout and The Nite Lights, The Khyber, 56 S. Second St , 215-238-5888.

—John Vettese