Wednesday, April 30

THE BRAVERY

This ironically hip, quintessentially New York band may be even bigger in popularity in the UK than here, following in the footsteps of Euro-wannabes like the Killers, the Strokes et al. and channeling Robert Smith and Morrissey shamelessly. Yet whatever poseurdom is in effect, it is so effortless, so chic, so fashionable, and so cool, it’s difficult not to get swept along by the wave of Bravery fanaticism. After their smash hit “An Honest Mistake” hit the airwaves, even before the first EP was released (2004’s Unconditional), the Bravery found themselves opening for both the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Razorlight on their European tours and being hailed as “New York’s Official Next Big Thing” by the Village Voice. Lead singer Sam Endicott landed on the cover of L’Uomo Vogue, and the band was soon signed to Island Def Jam in the US. 2005’s self-titled debut, featuring cover art by C. Finley, spread their international reputation and spawned a highly publicized, only slightly tongue-in-cheek feud with label-mates and rival post new-wave band the Killers. Their success has continued with the release of The Sun and the Moon (2007), an album so immaculately produced and delivered it has annoyed some critics. I guess that’s a problem, when a band is too good.

—k. o’day

7pm (doors). The Town Ballroom, 681 Main Street (852-3900 / thetownballroom.com). $16/advance (box office, 852-5000 / ticketmaster.com, New World Record) or $20/day of show