November 18-24, 2004

musicpicks

One Star Hotel

Rock/pop

Don't be fooled by the curious, whimsical name of the frontman or that cheeky, self-deprecating moniker. Singer-songwriter-guitarist Steve Yutzy-Burkey and One Star Hotel are serious business. The band's eponymous 2003 debut was a remarkable, if subtle, collection of twangless country and dusky, desolate rock. It lurked in the shadows of the Philly music scene, never stumbling onto the spotlight. But here comes the bolder, braver Good Morning, West Gordon (Stereo Field) and a chance for One Star Hotel to command some attention. Still, they're not gonna do it with rock-star stage-strutting or sticky guitar licks—most of these guys are in The River Bends with Denison Witmer, to give you an idea of their gift for understatement. Rather, they'll lure you with Yutzy-Burkey's urban-cowboy imagery and warm, chalky vocals and a sound that arrives at a pause as often as a crescendo. You won't know you're being hooked until they've already got you.

Fri., Nov. 19, 9 p.m., $5-$7, with the Future Tips, Brian Christinzio, Buried Beds and Shai of the Capitol Years, The North Star, 27th and Poplar sts., 215-684-0808.

—Patrick Rapa