Tom Lynch

The Chicago-based but Madison-born band's new record, "Cholera," a fine improvement on its debut, "Janel," is its second on Wisconsin label Sector Five and a solid, radio-Modest Mouse-influenced collection of angular, jangly guitars and hypnotic, pulsing bass lines. Craig Benzine's slacker, yet melodic, vocal stretching suitably fits the strangely dynamic songwriting--even when he screams and howls at the end of "Let's Do This Here," it works, and better than you'd expect it to. "Carry a Torch" is an "Icky Mettle"-era Archers of Loaf song that didn't quite make the cut, and "Mountains and Ruins," with its clean and straightforward yet intricate guitarwork, resonates for a while. Make no mistake, this is your first dose of 2007 angst and despondency, but we should kick off this year right, right?

Driftless Pony Club plays January 5 at Metro, 3730 North Clark, (773)549-0203, at 9pm. $9. (2007-01-02)

Also by Tom Lynch

Tip of the Week
The first rock show of the new year brings us Brooklyn-based (but Minneapolis-founded) critical darlings The Hold Steady, whose breakthrough "Boys and Girls in America" (Vagrant Records)--after the equally pleasing "Almost Killed Me" and "Separation Sunday"--dutifully evokes middle-aged malaise through a rock `n' roll filter
(2006-12-22)

All Acquaintance Be Forgot
My New Year's resolution, three years running: Whatever I want, I'm just gonna take
(2006-12-22)

The Year in Rock
As we close up shop on 2006, let's look at what the year gave us, taught us and promised us for the future
(2006-12-19)

Tip of the Week
Self-described as "emergency rock," Madison, Wisconsin's softly spectacular Cougar, elegant yet raw, blends a post-rock foundation with angular, swift guitar-work, electronic elements and an overwhelming presence of improvisation
(2006-12-12)

Soundcheck
(2006-12-05)

Ms. Maverick
(2006-12-05)

Evan Dando Lives
(2006-12-05)

Tip of the Week
(2006-12-05)

Soundcheck
(2006-11-28)

Tip of the Week
(2006-11-28)

Tip of the Week
(2006-11-28)

Tip of the Week
(2006-11-20)

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