Rising popsters play Harkness

When Arlington, VA-based independent record label Simple Machines Records calls it quits early next year, some of the most original and inspiring bands in independent music wil have to find new homes. Two of these groundbreaking projects, Ida and Retsin, will be appearing tonight in Harkness Lounge. Beekeeper, of Muss My Hair Records, will start the night off at 9 p.m.

New York City's Ida has been making a name for itself for the past five years. Setting them apart from other melodious popsters are their delicious vocal harmonies, delicate guitar parts, and the heartwarming sensitivity with which every song is crafted. This is the kind of music that you want to close your eyes to taste, letting the chords fill your belly like warm borscht, with the same haunting purple richness. The recent addition of a violinist (whose name, Ida, is pure coincidence) completes the layered balance of the band Ida's many finely-drawn lines.

The two women in Retsin, whose other musical affiliations include Rodan, Sonora Pine, and Ruby Falls, switch their electric guitars for acoustics in this project and play uberfolky songs for the ubercampfire.

Beekeeper, which shares bassist Karla Schickele (OC '89) with Ida, plays bold pop, sometimes angular and dissonant, sometimes gentle and melancholy. Matthew and Karla have been singing together all their lives, and Jan provides the power and flair behind the kit, including Beekeeper's trademark complex rhythms.

In a musical world where the battle cry of "Punk means cuddle" is losing credibility, Ida, Retsin, and Beekeeper are continuing with faith to demonstrate that the immediacy and force of punk are compatible with emotional frankness and musical proficiency. Don't miss this enlightening event.

Ida, Retsin and Beekeeper will perform at Harkness Lounge tonight, Nov. 14 at 9 p.m. Admission is $3.