Everyone should go see Oh! Pears tonight at Johnny Brenda’s if only to watch the hilarity that will ensue as the (sometimes) thirteen member ensemble attempts to fit themselves on the cozy little stage. That being said, you should probably stay for the actual music, or you will be missing out. This Philadelphia band/collective/cult led by ex-Pattern Is Movement guitarist Corey Duncan creates lush, haunting neo-classical arrangements ala contemporary peers Grizzly Bear and the young but ambitious Parenthetical Girls. Their debut EP Fill Your Lungs can be downloaded here so you can hear for yourself the complexities of the compositions and intricacies of the recordings that were created with the help of ex-bandmate and Pattern Is Movement drummer Chris Ward, who is arguably one of the sickest drummers in Philly. Much of what he lends his drumsticks to turns to gold and this debut EP is no different. The album ebbs and grows fluidly and hits a high point on “Singers” that recall a more adventurous Dodos song with every instrument possibly making a cameo all in support of Duncan’s crooning baritone. Oh Pears! are supported by West Chester six-piece Missing Palmer West, who may fit better on the stage, but what they lack in members they will make up in melody. They have been described as baroque pop. However, I don’t hear much vintage in their sound, but rather straightforward folk-pop full of Jeff Tweedy melodrama both in vocal delivery and subject matter. Overall this is an nice bill of bands that if you don’t know yet, you certainly won’t forget after tonight. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Adam G.
