Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Rock/pop

The funny thing about England is the little differences. After spending more than a year in the U.K. to record their new Take Them On, On Your Own (Virgin), San Fran revivalist kingpins Black Rebel Motorcycle Club don't sound tremendously altered for the wear, but slight distinctions are certainly present. For example, at Transit back in July -- the band's first U.S. gig since the sojourn -- guitar player Peter Hayes and bassist Robert Turner both seemed to have English accents (drummer Nick Jago is a native Brit). A subtle change, but a change nonetheless. On the album, songs are rooted in the same driving basslines, single-note vocal melodies and blues-inspired guitar as B.R.M.C.'s eponymous debut. ("Six Barrel Shotgun" gets a little too close for comfort, sounding note-for-note like the first record's "Whatever Happened To My Rock N' Roll.") But this time around, the production is clear and bright; rather than retreating into murky reverb, cuts like "Stop" and the ballad-y "Suddenly" are now ripe with immediacy and vigor. Again, a subtle change, but an important one. The trio might hide behind black clothes and silhouettes, but Take Them On brings them into the light.

Fri., Sept. 19, 9 p.m., $14.50-$16.50, with The Warlocks, The TLA, 334 South St., 215-922-1011.

—John Vettese

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