February 12-18, 2004

musicpicks

The Autumn Defense

Rock/pop

One of the emergent pleasures of Wilco's most recent long and winding touring spell was the establishment of bassist John Stirratt's vocal prowess. His high harmonies on staples like "California Stars" and "She's a Jar" ensured that the cold squall of a malfunctioning synthesizer wouldn't totally usurp the warmth of the band's roots. So it makes sense that the sophomore album from Stirratt's side band, The Autumn Defense, Circles (Arena Rock), is ruled by the singing. Stirratt and collaborator Pat Sansone possess an eerily fraternal vocal bond; their pure Everly tenors are fresh breaths amidst the adenoids clogging up so much indie-pop air. But what's the album sound like? Soft real soft. As it is, Stirratt and Sansone's effort to call up that early '70s mellow vibe doesn't stay compelling for a full album, but on a good many tracks the purity shines through. Check "The Sun in California," with its gentle, Fleetwood Mac-like rhythm, the hope-filled "The World (Will Soon Turn Our Way)," featuring Andrew Bird's shimmering strings, or the soulful "Tuesday Morning." Even if every song doesn't work, just tune into their voices melting together; it's far from the worst sound around these days.

Thu., Feb. 12, 8:30 p.m., $10, with Kelley Stoltz and The Pearly Gates, North Star Bar, 27th and Poplar sts., 215-684-0808.

—Michael Pelusi

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