Bon Savants

Post Rock Defends the Nation (E to the I Pi)

Rock groups that sell albums in an age when hardly anyone buys them are also selling something else, whether an image or a familiar sound. Preferably both, leaving bands like Boston’s Bon Savants predestined for the crossfire. Brazenly derivative but interesting nonetheless, the quartet’s college rock simultaneously fools iPod users into thinking it’s original and reminds thirtysomethings of the Psychedelic Furs song playing that time they made out in the college library. It’s not particularly memorable, but has its moments: “MassAv & Broadway” is a brooder à la Lloyd Cole or R.E.M., while “Final Grade” suggests the Savants have at least heard of Elliott Smith. That and a dollar will buy a cup of coffee, but these days it might also land a record deal. (Friday, March 16, Buffalo Billiards, 12mid)

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This article appears in March 16 • 2007.

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