Archive for February 7th, 2007

“A refreshing new reason to LIVE!” Is how they describe themselves. Well, maybe a little hyperbolic, but glam-pop quintet The Fabulous Entourage is definitely a reason not to give up on the New York LES rock scene.

The Fabulous Entourage has been grafitti-bombing their logo across Williamsburg streets, and if it weren’t so clever, I might be put off by it: A mushroom cloud in the shape of a heart. See, the word “sensation” likes to get thrown around in the arts-world far too often, lot, and whether or not its deserved, The Fabulous Entourage treat themselves as a sensation, and often that can make all the difference. Their stage dress includes in black and white (shirts and slacks for the boys,skirts and blouses for the girls), accented with day-glow pink and green, complete with boas, bouffant wigs and striped pants. Thankfully they do it with coordination and class. Much like their music.

Comparisons have been made to Devo for image,but musical style seems more of an evolution of the Elton John vein of operatic rock, (complete with retro-kitsch outfits, lyrics and passionate delivery.) But I’d be more inclined to see them as a beautiful but shamed lovechild of the B-52s and The Cure.

Front and center are Kyle Jarrow, the lead keyboardist and vocals, with Travis Chamberlain on Bass and back-up vocals, and on dual accompanying vocals, the beautiful duet Libby Winters and Pamela Quinn on accompanying lead vocals.

If that’s not all, it’s not unknown for Libby to pick up a guitar as well, Pamela to break out a flute and Kyle, during one of their more spirited jams to pull out a small trumpet for the bridge. Though their image is right out of Love Shack, the spirit and sentiment of most of their songs’ lyrics seem more along the lines of The Cure, or Heart.

“Woe” would be the best word for the F.E.’s general demeanor. Woe to this sad, painful life of unrequited love! Woe to this world of want and desire and war, but of course, beneath it all, is a deep satisfaction that if we have to face a world of anguish and desolation, you’d better BELIEVE that we’re going to look good while we do it!

And they look damn good.