October 9-15, 2003

musicpicks

Over the Rhine

by M.J. Fine

Rock/pop

It's hard to imagine the 7-inch single as a format for grave, enduring work. But when Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young released "Ohio" in 1970 -- just a week after the Kent State killings -- its impact was immediate and lasting. Neil Young unleashed years of pent-up anti-Vietnam War sentiment in a three-minute burst. At more than 90 minutes, Over the Rhine's Ohio (Back Porch) has more in common with Young's song than the title. Karin Bergquist and Linford Detweiler have always taken their time. Freed from the constraints of a single disc and with all kinds of keys (upright piano, Wurlitzer, Hammond, Moog and Mellotron) at their fingertips, they eloquently mix roots and soul in search of something bigger than they are. Ohio confronts death ("What I'll Remember Most," "Cruel and Pretty"), chases faith ("Jesus in New Orleans,""Changes Come"), mourns Over the Rhine's ruined state ("Ohio,""Hometown Boy") and struggles with hard relationships ("Professional Daydreamer"). But underlying everything is the fear and frustration of living under a man who doesn't care that he's leading people into a something they don't support. Throaty Bergquist never gets as strident as CSNY — only Remind Us uses the word war — but by the time the gospel choir finishes its shouting on "Idea #21 (Not Too Late)," all doubt is long gone. This, too, is grave, enduring work. Over the Rhine just needs more room than a 45.

Fri., Oct. 10, 9 p.m., $15, with Steven Delopoulos and Susan Enan, The North Star, 27th and Poplar sts., 215-684-0808.

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