Tom Lynch

Intriguing beginnings--Brooklyn's The Subject began in high school but, unlike these common tales of band launches, two members were students and the two others were teachers. They kept band practice secret until graduation, though. The four-piece celebrates the release of its debut tonight, "with the ease grace precision and cleverness of human beings" (Pretty Activity), a prog-rock exercise in oblivion that injects pieces of garage rock and sixties-pop-esque melody and harmony, like on the infectious "Bird Song." The indie sluggishness is here, too, which makes it even more appealing, inviting and likeable. The pretty power of a song like "Icicles" is impressive as well--the band finds a flowing groove here and sticks with it, and the song's changes and shifts are pitch-perfect. Intensely enjoyable and often brisk, this is a record to get behind. And anyone who can pull off the line "I could never tune my heart to ear" and not sound like a cheese-blooded asshole is someone worth hearing.

The Subjects play February 20 at Empty Bottle, 1035 North Western, (773)276-3600, at 9:30pm. $7. (2007-02-13)

Also by Tom Lynch

State of Grace
If a microscope has ever truly been put on a band, it's now on Portland's The Shins
(2007-02-06)

Dead Calm
Kevin Brockmeier's "The Brief History of the Dead," originally released last March and now coming out in paperback, successfully, delightfully and with overflowing entertainment, blends elements of philosophical literary exploration, wilderness adventure and good-natured, heart-pounding thriller
(2007-02-06)

Bowlshit
11:44, 4thQ: Grossman throws pick, taken in for Colts TD. Face in hands. Feel shame. Defeat. Anger. Depression.
(2007-02-06)

Tip of the Week
"Yellow House" is impressive in both its sprawling scope and fine-tuned execution
(2007-02-06)

Tip of the Week
(2007-02-06)

Soundcheck
(2007-01-30)

Tip of the Week
(2007-01-30)

Tip of the Week
(2007-01-30)

Bear of a Life
(2007-01-30)

Soundcheck
(2007-01-23)

Tip of the Week
(2007-01-23)

Tip of the Week
(2007-01-23)

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