Robert Schneider, Apples In Stereo

Review by Dave Anastasi

It sure is an interesting bunch. Keyboardist John Ferguson was dressed head to toe in a cheesy space suit (yes, with a cape) that might remind you of something you've seen on Mystery Science Theater 3000. Guitarist John Hill looks like a pornstar. Bassist Eric Allen could be a gas station attendant in some small town down south. Drummer John Dufilho looks like that teacher's pet from Literature class in high school. Finally, frontman Robert Schneider looks like a cubicle king dressed in tattered thrift store rejects. So the question is this: How is it that Apples In Stereo is the coolest band in the universe?

They've earned that distinction by consistently producing impeccably crafted indie pop music and electrifying audiences with their energetic live performances. And they do it all with a style that is pure Apples.

Two weeks ago, the Apples released their sixth full-length album, and first in five years, New Magnetic Wonder. It is their most ambitious effort to date, and the new material sounded great live.

Songs like the lively album-opener "Can You Feel It?" managed to keep the energetic crowd bouncing in their places for the main part of the evening. The band was sharp and tight, and was undeterred by the Paradise's leaky roof and Schneider's battle with "flu-like symptoms."

Sublime pop masterpiece "Energy" provided for some added entertainment when keyboardist Bill Doss' cowbell became a moving target, spinning around on its stand after every hit, and finally crashing to the stage floor shortly before the third chorus. The group no doubt benefitted from the antics, as their amusement was manifested in the performance.

John Hill managed to break a string on both of his guitars over the course of the set's first four songs. I imagine that Hill must go through a lot of strings, considering that he keeps two Fender Strats on the stage at all times. The guitars are configured identically, down to the three-color sunburst finish and the half-peeled-off stickers littering the body. The group then made a seemingly spontaneous decision to play "Sun Is Out", whose Beatles-esque whimsy was a breath of fresh air as the guitarist scrambled to perform a quick string change.

Other highlights included the absolutely massive "Open Eyes" and the soaring "7 Stars." The band did a great job with their back-catalogue selections as well, nailing hits "What's the #?" and "Strawberryfire."

I wasn't one of the popular kids in high school. I played clarinet in the marching band with the other nerds. We had kids there who couldn't even really play an instrument but loved it anyway, just because they fit in. So, maybe I've got a soft spot in my heart for the Apples. They might still be geeks, but in between the awkward banter and nervous giggles they are superstars. And the rest of us-- the mathletes, the comic book enthusiasts and the computer programmers-- couldn't be prouder.