Buffalo Rising Online

Jun 7th 2007, 1:37pm By WJWright

Pop music has always been a guilty pleasure of mine, especially alternative power-pop. It's embarrassing, I know. I don't think there is anything less macho than power-pop rock. But secretly, when I'm not in the company of my burley, tougher-than-nails guy friends, I like to listen to something a bit softer and less threating, like that Fountains of Wayne song 'Stacy's Mom'. I'm pretty sure I'm the only guy in the world who will admit to liking that song.

So for you people out there that do like alternative pop music and aren't ashamed to prove it, Mohawk is the place to be this Sunday as not one, not two, but three pop-influenced rock bands will be playing.

The triple bill starts off with Au Revoir Simone; three girls on keyboards and a drum machine. Then comes Favourite Sons, which have a big beat, almost gospel type of pop sound. Both of these opening bands are bursting with originality, weird but in a good way.

Finally comes Voxtrot, headlining Sunday's triple bill. They probably are the closest thing to radio-friendly pop-rock on the list. This is the real guilty pleasure of the night. Voxtrot is probably the least original of the bands but maybe the most energetic and the easiest to listen to. Allow me to explain: Voxtrot has to give credit for most of their early success to the precursors of the alternative pop-rock scene that ruled the late 90's and early 2000's. Your Ben Folds, Ben Kwellers and sometimes, to a lesser extent, even your Gusters.

It was these pioneers of power-pop that made it easier for Voxtrot to gain early success and develop a strong following in such a short amount of time(they have only been around for 3 or 4 years and just put out their full length first record).

Following in the footstep of your influences is a good way to gain fans, but in order to keep them, you're going to have to do something special. This is where the live Voxtrot show becomes so important.

In CD form, Voxtrot sounds just a tad too polished. Its not their fault, just about all CDs are like that. An album is supposed to sound crisp and clear. The more polished and professional sounding it is, the more it will have mass appeal and thus, the more records it will sell.

In live form however, it's a whole new ball game. Voxtrot throws all that pretty stuff out the window, and their music becomes more energetic, edgy and raw. It's not about being perfect, it's about having fun. So what if they might hit the wrong keys once in a while, or if they play one fast song slower, or one slow song faster. As long as people are having fun, what does it matter?

It's going to be a powerfully pop-rock inspired night, and I'll be the first to admit how much fun it's going to be. Get there early for the Au Revior Simone and Favourite Sons if you want to see something different. Stay late for Voxtrot if you want to see something familiar but with some serious high energy.

Sunday, June 10th. Doors open at 8, $12 Voxtrot with special guest Favourite Sons and Au Revoir Simone Mohawk Place 47 East Mohawk 14203, 855.3931