Palm School Choir

Palm School Choir

Austin's Palm School Choir isn't a shorter, hairless Polyphonic Spree, nor is it a Kidz Bop rehash. Rather, PSC is a children's choir singing original soft-rock compositions written by their fearless leader, Gavin Tabone. "One Good Rock Show" can change the world, but any rock concert off to such a sleepy start might not get the lighters ablaze. It's not until "Rockland Eagles" that the first disc picks up; the kids' voices harmonize beautifully, and the music boasts genuine energy. The subject matter here is typical prepubescent stuff: studying for tests, fuzzy animals, awesome teachers, and the joys of reading. The second disc opens with a cover of the Flaming Lips' "Race for the Prize," and it's a pity there aren't more tracks like this on Gold. It's that kind of indie-Austin cool that this collection lacks, despite the honorable (and ultimately progressive) intent and effects of this project.