May 26-June 1, 2005

musicpicks

The Raveonettes

Rock/pop

So far, it's been a pretty boring run for The Raveonettes. Plopping out of the retro post-punk kick three years back, the Danish duo expertly aped the spare production and caustic noise of The Jesus and Mary Chain. It was fun on a song-by-song basis, but the lack of variety wilted the mood over a full album (2003's Chain Gang of Love) and some speedy EPs. Three chords, B-flat minor, 4/4 tempo, 120 beats per minute, repeat. Fans of that are probably pissed to hear the new Pretty in Black (Columbia) open with a moping Rick Nelson-esque ballad called "The Heavens," but the rest of us welcome the change. Stepping on the toes of their most obvious influence, Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo reach back to that aching 1950s innocence at the heart of The JAMC's best work. There're sad waltzes like Buddy Holly and speedy Dick Dale surf tunes; mid-album, Wagner takes on The Angels' "My Boyfriend's Back." The Raveonettes don't completely abandon themselves, since Black still works within their established aesthetic of echoing sound and scattered drum loops. It's just now things are interesting enough to hold your attention for more than a song or two.

Wed., June 1, 8 p.m., $15, with Autolux and The Peels, The North Star, 27th and Poplar sts., 215-684-0808, www.northstarbar.com.

—John Vettese