On Thursday night, in back-to-back slots starting at 10 p.m., Arlene’s Grocery hosts Bacci and the WMDs, a rather complementary pairing of two locally-based unsigned acts. Both acts strive to expand the bounds of their respective forms of pop in almost imperceptible ways. Both succeed often and, for the most part, on their own terms. Both are also quietly making waves both in and outside of New York. Thankfully, each remains untouched—at least so far—by the loathsome, bottom-feeding hype mechanism whereby glossy rock rags scour filth-encrusted Downtown gutters to pluck the next undeserving, under-achieving band to present as their current vision of cool.
Which is not to say that either Bacci or the WMDs are averse to attention—or crowd-pleasing. Quite the contrary. Disciples of the ultimate High Priests of Polish, Steely Dan’s Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, Bacci’s core members—acoustic guitarist/songwriter Pete Bagale and drummer/arranger Paul Amorese—take a similar approach in lacing their music with as much musicality as possible, but disguising it so that, essentially, you won’t be distracted from shaking your ass. And though they do lean heavily on jazz-pop sophistication, Amorese and Bagale bring a decidedly dapper, hip-hop savvy sensibility to the mix. It’s unrepentant party music, which becomes abundantly clear in the band’s live show with off-the-cuff references to hit rap tunes. Additionally, DJ Rob Flow, a “Chappelle’s Show” alum who started out as a special guest but who now appears at every show and contributes in the studio, brings beats, samples, the occasional rhyme and a crowd-stirring energy to the proceedings. Rousing as it is, you might miss the innovation in Bacci’s blend of acoustic guitar, rubbery jazz bass lines, delicate snare chops, stomping kickdrum grooves and turntable atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the WMDs (who also employ Amorese on drums, albeit in a completely different style of playing), skirt the boundaries of modern rock and even power-balladry with equal lack of remorse. But don’t be deceived by the familiarity in their light-grain guitar distortion or lamenting, drawn-out vocal melodies—or the fact that you can definitely hear a slew of influences like Tom Petty. The WMDs pull it all off with a strangely fresh sound and—even stranger still—eclectic range within their chosen parameters. The sparks really start to fly when they veer completely off into their own sound—as they do a handful of times on their upcoming, Internet-only full-length. On the song “Ocean’s Rose,” for example, a winding, wah-soaked guitar line, shuffle beat and piano vamp set up singer/songwriter Brian Bauers to sing, “The more I learn, the less I know.” More than just catchy, Bauers’ earnestness and the band’s dexterity elevates what would likely have ended up an empty sentiment in conventional pop.
A supporting cast of special guests, like cellist Anil Melwani, who also appears on Friday, brings even more dimension to the songs. And, like Bacci’s recordings, an earthy mixing style only underscores the band’s polished aspirations with depth. Though both acts would likely do fine with big-budget production, now would be the time to catch them, while they sound as fresh and vital as they are focused.
Jan. 25, Arlene’s Grocery, 95 Stanton St. (betw. Orchard & Ludlow Sts.), 212-995-1652; 10, No cover.
