Raleigh band will storm into Mercury Lounge on July 15 (photo by Cheater Slicks)
Mercury Lounge
217 East Houston St.
Thursday, July 15,
www.mercuryloungenyc.com
www.myspace.com/thelovelanguage
Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, the Love Language, who describe their sound as “Etta James kicking heroin,” play exceedingly bright and cheery 1960s-style pop. The current lineup, which has gone through many changes since it started several years ago, consists of lead singer and guitarist Stuart McLamb, guitarist BJ Burton, keyboardist Missy Thangs, bassist Justin Rodermond, and drummer Jordan McLamb, who make engaging music, a big fat blast of beautiful fresh air. The band’s 2009 self-titled debut, a solo job recorded by Stuart McLamb in his parents’ basement, featured such songs as “Sparxxx” and “Lalita” that helped define their jangling, happy nature; it has now been followed by LIBRARIES (Merge, July 2010), a step up to a more layered production and serious sound, though “Heart to Tell” and “Brittany’s Back” are as bright and friendly as the smiling woman on the album cover. The Love Language will be at the Mercury Lounge on July 15, with Tim Poovey, Pepper Rabbit, and ARMS.