A drumbeat starts the clock. Then a delicate crystal clear piano is introduced and is quickly built upon by a tiered vocal harmony. Acoustic guitars run at a sprinters-pace and the track is off to the races. There is a distinct, complex, well thought out nature about Sweet Lights. Rather than weighing down the overall sound like an anchor, each musical element lightens the load, elevating it to new heights. This is what pop is meant to sound like – crisp and clean, but also multidimensional. Instead of fitting into a box, Sweet Lights uses every tool at their disposal, and sees what it can build. Shai Halperin and crew will be opening at Union Transfer tonight for Daniel Johnston who brings his twisted yet compelling songwriting style, which has gained him significant fanfare over the years, especially since his documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston became a heart-warming cult classic. Johnston will be performing a solo set and one backed by a band. Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St. 8pm, $20, All Ages – Michael Colavita
