Quick Spins
Wednesday, July 21, 2004; Page C05
Washington Post
TOGETHER WE'RE HEAVY
Polyphonic Spree
Even the most jaded of music fans can find themselves swept away by the power, majesty and beauty of the Polyphonic Spree's live performances. More than two dozen beaming faces strong, the adventurous rock band is led by charismatic singer Tim DeLaughter, who it seems has envisioned it as a cross between gospel choir, the Up With People inspirational troupe and overall karmic force for good -- or at least good vibrations.
On "Together We're Heavy," the Dallas group's sophomore effort, there's a hint -- unfortunately only a hint -- of the effect the band produces in a live setting. The songs are jaunty, bright and bouncy, filled with uplifting messages and tributes to the power of love. It is a joyful collection -- 10 heartfelt hymns to happiness and holiness. But through no real fault of its own, it doesn't come close to capturing the experience of seeing the band live. The difference is akin to reading about a violent thunderstorm and feeling the walls of your house shake and shiver as the rain slashes down on the roof.
That said, the group's evangelical enthusiasm still comes through, especially on the mouthful of an opening track, "A Long Day Continues / We Sound Amazed." Other songs are intensely tuneful and melodic, including "Hold Me Now," which brings to mind the "Sgt. Pepper"-era Beatles. The album's best song, "Two Thousand Places," is also the best example of a song that benefits much more from the live experience. "You gotta be good / You gotta be strong / You gotta be two thousand places at once" doesn't sound like much of a chorus, but standing in front of the bursting-at-the-seams group when it channels the spirit of the song, well, that experience can be transforming.
-- Joe Heim
