+/-

Fri., Oct. 27, 8 p.m., $12, with The Wrens and Palomar, First Unitarian Church, 22nd and Chestnut sts., 866-468-7619,

by M.J. Fine

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Published: Oct 25, 2006

rock/pop

Lull 'em into bliss, then shock 'em with the rock. That's the strategy on Let's Build a Fire (Absolutely Kosher), the third full-length from +/- (say Plus/Minus). So often the New York trio sets a romantic scene with violin, xylophone and James Baluyut's wistful vocals, only to veer off course by glitching the keys or splintering Chris Deaner's drums. The title track opens the album in sepia tones — an antiquated recording to suit the muted arrangement — before bursting into the audio equivalent of Technicolor. And right as the vintage production gives way to something more modern, Baluyut's lyrics turn to artifice of a more personal nature. That move almost always works. Just when everything seems dreamy ("The Important Thing Is to Love") or anesthetized ("Summer Dress 2 [Iodine]"), Deaner does something that ends the reverie one way or another. It could ease the tension; it could kill the buzz. In +/- songs, as in life, the moment of change is inevitable, but it always comes as a surprise.

Fri., Oct. 27, 8 p.m., $12, with The Wrens and Palomar, First Unitarian Church, 22nd and Chestnut sts., 866-468-7619, www.r5productions.com.

 

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