Evolver
Rave-ready drum loops, percolating synthesizers, 12-string Rickenbackers, vocal overlays, and funky bass lines--Evolverisn't your grandpa's folk music. In truth, the Kennedys aren't playing folk at all. Taken on their own unapologetically bubble-gum terms, however, Maura and Pete's pop can be charming in a hum-and-forget manner. Opener "Pick You Up" sounds like theBangles. "Good Morning Groovy" is postmodern go-go featuring some hot Dobro from David Hamburger. "Mr. Lucky Man" is an ecstatic freak-out, while "Here Without You" is a credibly dreamyBrydscover, and the catchy "Can't Kill Hope with a Gun" could be covered byBritney Spears. Don't expect the Kennedys to offer songs to live by, unless a line like "Catch a star and slide down a rainbow" is your idea of desideratum. Even if its title alludes to one of theFab Four's most ambitious records,Evolversatisfactorily serves up danceable, candied pop music.--Roy Kasten