Normally I would hate a band that took its name from a Wes Anderson movie—this one based on Gwyneth Paltrow’s character in “The Royal Tenenbaums”—but Margot and the seven, count ‘em, seven So & So’s create a kind of damp, gloomy and overall depressing atmosphere of slit-wrists rock that coats the soul with milky tears, mostly acoustic-based with Richard Edwards’ defeatist vocal delivery and lyrics leading the charge. Perfectly executed vocal harmonies break up the misery, as do the more uptempo tracks like “Skeleton Key,” but Edwards’ lyrics are always there to bring you back down to this miserable, loveless and heartbreaking earth. But, the melodies are hearty and muscular, catchy and demanding of attention, and “The Dust of Retreat,” the Indianapolis band’s debut, has its sights set an both Elliott Smith mourners and Charter One Pavilion-concert goers. (Tom Lynch)
August 23 at Double Door.
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