Eric Gaffney, Lou Barlow, and Jason Lowenstein may look like college professors these days, but they still yell and argue with the audience like they were rowdy undergrads. Playing to a full house at Philly’s North Star Bar last night (April 2), Dutch rock act Bent Moustache warmed the crowd with up-tempo horror-movie synth chords. When the classic Sebadoh lineup ambled up to the stage, the veteran indie rockers attacked their instruments with the optimistic abandon of their best lo-fi recordings — rock’n’roll’s best bits from the decade before seemed real again. In songs such as “Brand New Love,” “Ride the Darker Wave” and “Rebound,” the band mixed melodies as soothing as a liqueur buzz, drums that clang a Sparks-fueled heartbeat, and guitar leads that mock you like a drunk across the room. These elements may not initially sound like a great evening, but like the three members of Sebadoh, they leave you with your fist in the air, bellowing along, even when you can’t remember all the words. ERIC RIVERA / PHOTOS BY JAMES HAMILTON
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We asked: Since Sebadoh have made up, what divorced band would you like to see get back together?
