Sarsaparilla

Fri., Feb. 1, 9 p.m., $7, with Famous Lovers, Alex Radus, Nicole Reynolds and Mike Pfeifer and the Associates,The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave., 215-671-9298, iourecords.com/thefire.

by Kelly White

folk/rock

(CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

Is it Berlin or is it Philadelphia? Sarsaparilla's Brandon Miller hasn't decided yet. The gypsy folk drifter divides his time between the two, with revolving band members in both cities. This traveling man packs a gruff voice, but you'd never know it from Sarsaparilla's EP No Such Thing at All. Miller slips from a coo into a breathy whisper until he holds the indoor tone of a boyfriend who wants to have a serious conversation with you. Restless lyrics roll around in a bed of sensual indecision, and just when you're content to study the ceiling, the insistent ring of Radio Moscow brutally pries you awake. Is that the harsh jarring sound of Berlin after the sleepy grind of Philadelphia, or the other way around? That's a question best fielded during Sarsaparilla's stay at the Fire with songstress Nicole Reynolds. Before you go questioning the origins of her honeyed vocals, as well, we'll tell you: a farm in Western Pennsylvania.

Fri., Feb. 1, 9 p.m., $7, with Famous Lovers, Alex Radus, Nicole Reynolds and Mike Pfeifer and the Associates,The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave., 215-671-9298, iourecords.com/thefire.