I’m not sure what’s creepier, the anonymous robes the POLYPHONIC SPREE used to wear or the combat-ready black outfits they’re sporting on the cover of the new The Fragile Army (TVT). Either way, the real mystery is why the Spree, who play Avalon July 2, even need a full choir when the Flaming Lips can manufacture the same grandiously twisted psychedelic pop without one. The Fragile Army is the Spree’s most heavily produced disc yet, and maybe their most accessible. But I still can’t help wondering whether their polyphonic leader, Tim DeLaughter, might not be better off just following his Bowie-esque music on his own and leaving the choir behind.
RYAN ADAMS | Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville | June 29 | 617.625.4088 | POLYPHONIC SPREE | Avalon, 15 Lansdowne St, Boston | July 2 | 617.262.2424
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