March/April 2007 Issue

Phantom Punch

<i>Astralwerks</i>. Slashing electric guitar and clattering drums intensify Lerche’s melancholy romanticism.

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Charming Norwegian Lerche embodies tasteful multinationalism, boasting lush melodies that echo Brian Wilson and Burt Bacharach and easy crooning inspired by Brazil’s Caetano Veloso. But lately, excessive polish has left Lerche in danger of sounding like Bing Crosby for the younger set. The exciting Phantom Punch rectifies that problem by upping the noise; slashing electric guitar and clattering drums intensify Lerche’s melancholy romanticism. The breathtaking “Say It All” sets heartbreak to a jumpy beat, while the angry chords of “Happy Birthday Girl” portray longing in cataclysmic terms. He’s the perfect role model for quiet guys who urge to erupt.

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We just wrapped up a shorter-than-normal, urgent-as-ever fundraising drive and we came up about $45,000 short of our $300,000 goal.

That means we're going to have upwards of $350,000, maybe more, to raise in online donations between now and June 30, when our fiscal year ends and we have to get to break-even. And even though there's zero cushion to miss the mark, we won't be all that in your face about our fundraising again until June.

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