OK, so normally we'd rag a CD with a title like On Cutting Ti-gers in Half and Understanding Narravation to Pretension Hell and back, and justifiably so. But Candy Bars, an amazing sort-of-Tampa-based trio (doesn't one of the guys live in, like, New Hampshire now?), has made a sophisticated dream-pop album that completely lives up to its potential, so we'll let it go this time.
The group and Tampa's own New Granada Records celebrate the disc's release with a New World show this Saturday, and if you haven't seen Candy Bars yet, and you like accomplished, eccentric, wholly mesmerizing pop music, you need to be there. Candy Bars live and Candy Bars in the studio are two very different things, and this night will get you both, 'cause a copy of the Half the Tiger Understands Narration, or whatever it's called, comes with each paid admission. Plus, the two other bands on the bill — the atmospheric Isobella and the adventurous, experimental Red Room Cinema — are well worth the cover, too.
This gig is 21-and-up only, but fear not, underage fans, because Candy Bars will be playing a free show at Tampa's Vinyl Fever on Sun., Jan. 29.
Candy Bars w/Isobella/Red Room Cinema, Saturday, Jan. 28 @ New World Brewery, Ybor City. 9 p.m.; $7.
This article appears in Jan 25-31, 2006.
