December 11-17, 2003

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Consonant

Where the songs on Consonant’s self-titled debut sprawled in all directions, those on Love and Affliction (Fenway) are more likely to charge ahead full-speed, even if that means hitting a wall and exploding into pieces. "Blue Story," the album’s closer, does so brilliantly, dissolving in a hail of noise, while others merely take an angrier approach to the themes of wrecked relationships and emotional exposure explored on album No. 1. Though Consonant will always be known as what Clint Conley does when he’s not on the road with Mission of Burma, Love and Affliction offers ample proof that it’s a band, not a side project: Chris Brokaw, Matt Kadane and Winston Braman mesh with Conley into a seamless unit, as evidenced by their tight-knit stage performances. Apart from an ill-attended opening slot, this is their first Philadelphia show.

Sat., Dec. 13, 9:30 p.m., $10, with French Toast and South Congress, Doc Watson’s, 216 S. 11th St., www.plainparade.org.

—Sam Adams