THE CONTESTANTS, SEA CAVES, WELSH RABBIT
(Towne Lounge, 714 SW 20th Pl) While the Empty Set was never a band to restrain itself when it came to pop choruses, the new project to rise from their ashes, the Contestants, have refined their skills to an entirely new level. On their brand new long-player, A Fitting Retreat (which is released tonight), the quintet’s harmonies are layered thick, the tempo is loose, and the influence is set squarely on Alex Chilton. It’s a bit too mature to fall under the category of bubblegum pop (more Big Star, less Box Tops). Instead, it’s classic power pop with mammoth hooks, sans the guilt of listening to something so indulgent. EAC

MP3:
The Contestants - Cosmonaut