The Loved Ones

Sun., Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m., $10-$12, with the Gaslight Anthem, the Ergs and Amateur Party, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 866-468-7619, r5productions.com.

by John Vettese

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Published: Feb 19, 2008

rock/pop

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It's so unfussy, but sounds so sophisticated. You might say its unfussiness makes it sophisticated. Philly quartet The Loved Ones takes the straightforward punk rock approach on its new Build & Burn (Fat Wreck): one-two drumbeats, well-timed pick scrapes, gruff screams countered by melodic harmonies, an awesome album that clocks in at just over a half-hour. Most of the post-Katrina anthem "Louisiana" is a mere 10-word refrain, but when delivered in Dave Hause's classic hardcore howl, damn if it isn't inspiring. Positive themes of hope and fidelity permeate the group's sophomore outing — recalling Jersey's feel-good Bouncing Souls, two of whom produced the set — and piano backdrops add to the robust sound here and there, but the band doesn't make these elements a central focus. Reinventing the punk wheel is a futile set-up for backfire; making that wheel sturdy and strong is a smarter plan in the long run.

Sun., Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m., $10-$12, with the Gaslight Anthem, the Ergs and Amateur Party, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 866-468-7619, r5productions.com.

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