Headlights, Anni Rossi and Pomegranates [At Emo's Wed]

Headlights is not a band out to blow your mind; they probably just want you to make out to their music. Their sound recalls breathy, late-night phone conversations between teenagers. And hey, it’s always past your parents’ phone cut-off time somewhere.

As long as prom-night indiepop culture and its Michael Cera-laced accoutrements persist in this endless loop of recreating and reconstructing age 17 (what, if we revisit it enough, we’ll finally get it right?) we may as well sit back and bask in its flushed cheeks and hearts all a flutter. And there’s absolutely nothing not to like about Headlights, including their new album, Wildlife.

With Wildlife, we are happy to hear Headlights stepping into ever so slightly more shadowy territory than Some Racing, Some Stopping. Unfortunately, it’s a tough road that leads onward past the pastel heights of “Cherry Tulips,” their first big single, which held critic and casual listener alike in a romantic swoon. The band has openly discussed their difficulties in the process of recording Wildlife, including having to discard much material and suffering a change in lineup. But they seem to have emerged with newfound energy, promising an engaging night at Emo’s.

What will in all likelihood blow your mind is Anni Rossi’s talent, both raw and refined. A violinist since age three, she has been performing solo since high school. At the tender age of 23, she brings classical sensibilities and an almost uncannily weighty timbre to the sorrowful and beloved pantheon of indie sirens such as Regina Spektor and Chan Marshall, whose ranks she’ll soon join. Tonight’s show looks to be one of those I-saw-her-back-when opportunities.

Also tailgating fame right now are the Cincinnati art pop consortium Pomegranates, who recorded their first EP within four months of forming and were signed to Lujo Records the next week. Their music gallops along at a similarly satisfying, buzzy clip.

Headlights [Myspace][Official]
Anni Rossi [Myspace][Official]
Pomegranates [Myspace]