Glasvegas

(Columbia)

Swamped in distorted Eurotrash feedback, Glasvegas frontman James Allen comes on like Glasgow’s Eddie Vedder. Although his quartet’s first LP has boozy punch, even with two bonus tracks, the Scots’ eponymous debut still feels padded. (Just ignore the spoken-word and piano exercise “Stabbed.”) Nevertheless, Allen’s lyrics and delivery, loaded with Proclaimers’ burr and Morrissey’s sense of the grievance, make for infectious Britpop. Signs of Oasis flow from “Flowers & Football Tops,” while the upbeat “Go Square Go” is an almost Quadrophenia-worthy track about facing a schoolyard bully. Allen has enough sense of humor and history to sing out, “What’s the story morning glory?” on the jukebox-friendly “It’s My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry.” Whether Glasvegas’ material can sustain itself is a valid question, but the lads are certainly on a roll. (Wed., Vice, 11:45pm; Fri., La Zona Rosa, 11:30pm.)

**.5

This article appears in March 20 • 2009.

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