With Their Magnificent New Album, the Cutting Might of The Sharp Things Still Shines

Perry Serpa is an impressive multi-tasker. A noted publicist with an impeccable reputation, he also heads the sprawling coop known as the Sharp Things. Similar in sound — and in scope — to the Polyphonic Spree, they reveal themselves to be full of ambition, thanks to a sonic palette that encompasses strings, synthesizers, banjo and various components tied to a reliable rock regimen. The band’s latest, EverybodyEverybody, holds to this tact, with songs that literally seem to soar and arrangements that are complex to a degree, but effortlessly embracing as well. Whether it’s the easy glide or “Something Big” or the expansive “Sport’s Drinking Again” and the emphatic “Daphne’s Coming Over,” there’s a consistent build and swell, making it sound like a heavenly chorus or, better yet, Brian Wilson in full Smile mode. In a word, it’s majestic, flush with embracing melodies and a higher reach that suggests there’s far more to the band’s music than merely doling out standard stock melodies. There are times when the band wears their influences on their collective sleeves. The overlay of a cheery refrain on the aforementioned “Sport’s Drinking Again” brings to mind the sing-along chorus of “Hey Jude” or fellow Beatle George Harrison’s “Isn’t It a Pity,”while the opening stanzas of the luminous “Shine Shine Shine” recalls “The Mighty Quinn.” Then there’s the quiet drift of “There’s Been No One Since You” which echoes Pink Floyd via its shimmering harmonies and cosmic conceits. The strings and sway of “Family Day at the Lake” bring memories of the Kinks with its precious Brit pop/chamber pop sensibilities. Still, Sharp Things’ vision and originality is their’s alone, and despite the billowy, blossoming approach taken overall, the accessibility factor is always well assured. In an age where the tried and true seems to be a common core, the Sharp Things rise above the fray with their inventive intents. The Sharp Things pierce the veil of the collective consciousness yet again.