A trillion stars: Luna promises a heavenly sound

By CLINTON DOGGETTStaff Writer

Luna

Tuesday, 8 p.m.

Rosebud, $15, 21+

(412) 261-2232

… Luna

Tuesday, 8 p.m.

Rosebud, $15, 21+

(412) 261-2232

Luna’s recent record, Romantica, has a sentimentally saturated style. For example, take the lyrics from the album’s opening track: “When candles light themselves / And the air turns creamy / Why not take a photograph? / You look so dreamy.”

Dean Wareham, the group’s ringleader, has long been known for his charming brand of starry-eyed folk pop. Wareham and company have also built a name on their guitar aesthetics, ever conjuring up majestic and ethereal soundscapes with their six-strings.

Romantica, the group’s sixth album, is filled with such sounds, not to mention Wareham’s froggy crooning and cutesy, whimsical lyrics, which remain the backbone of Luna’s character. With new bassist Britta Phillips contributing vocals, and the experimental Dave Fridmann (see: Mercury Rev, Flaming Lips) at the mixing board, Luna has returned with another solid set of humm-able love songs.

While Luna certainly has a unique sound and songwriting style, it’s a style they’ve been using throughout all of their records. Whether you’re listening to the group’s 1995 landmark record, Penthouse, or to the 1999 record that got them dropped from Elektra, Days of Our Nights, you’re bound to find them playing the same type of punch-drunk love songs.

Despite, Luna has become one of indie-rock’s reputable live acts. Between the guitar work and Wareham’s warblings, Luna’s stage presence is something that people seem to love – so much that they decided put out Luna Live in 2000.

Luna will grace Rosebud’s stage Tuesday. If you’re 21, come and sing along with Wareham’s woes. It’s sure to entertain.