Hella Pela

Congratulations to New York's own Pela, who celebrated the release of its full-length debut "Anytown Graffiti" (Great Society) on Tuesday with a sold-out show at the Mercury Lounge. The band was jovial and professional, and the energy exuded by the four-piece's fan base inched on hysterical. The melodramatic peaks and valleys of the songs were lead by the troubled tenor of Billy McCarthy (who our friend aptly described as "hunky"), with guitarist Nate Martinez taking our breath away with his consistent, vibrant riffs.

The first time we saw Pela was nearly two years ago in the vacuum that is the Delancey. What seemed like straight-forward, emotional rock eventually grew on us, as the drum, bass and guitar lines eventually become just as recognizable as the catchiest chorus. One of the worst criticisms we've heard is that they sound too much like the National.

And Lo! Behold! They're all friends! And Bryan Devendorf, drummer for the National, gave a pair of helping hands to Takka Takka's opening set on Tuesday. There was something off about the group, maybe that they were nervous or under-prepared for the sold-out event, but the songs didn't sound as tight as they do on their MySpace. Prior to that, our friends Project Jenny, Project Jan continued their marvelous "electro-karaoke" assault on the masses with much joy, splendor and mic stand-humping.