The Pains of Being Pure at Heart @ Glass House

November 15, 2010 - Pomona, CA

By Liz Caruso

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart @ Glass House - Pomona, CA - November 14, 2010 - Photos by Liz Caruso

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart surprised me last night. Opening for Stars at the Glass House in Pomona, the group put on an all around excellent set. Of course, I had caught wind of the hype the New York four-piece generated since the release of their 2009 self-titled debut album, but I wasn't sure what to expect live. Turns out the show they put on hooked me in and took me on a quick journey from casual listener to outright fan.

Frontman Kip Berman strums steadily on the guitar while crooning into his microphone - a voice that at times reminds me of Morrissey, yet more genuine, with less an arrogant, jaded undertone - while keyboardist and vocalist Peggy Wang adds almost child-like, girlish harmonies with a coy smile. The rest of the band is along for the fun as well, with Kurt Feldman's pulsing drum beats, and Alex Naidus' bass lines that contribute to the noise in their pop.

Between renditions of their catchy tunes, Kip additionally won hearts over by making more than a few adorable, endearing comments. For instance, when thanking LA locals Sweater Girls for allowing the group to borrow amps for the night, he added, "So if we sound extra cute tonight, that's why." When an audience member shouted out a plea to raise the vocals because he could hardly make them out against the instruments, Berman cocked his head in bewilderment before playfully bantering back, "That's kind of our style..." as the crowd giggled along.

When you combine The Pains of Being Pure at Heart's talent with their sheer likeability, it's clear to see why everyone has gone head over heels for them. Look out for their upcoming second record, due March 2011!

Click here to check out more photos from the show!