Jimmy Gnecco and his most recent set of edgy one word-monikered band mates are re-emerging this year with a new album (yet to be released) and a national tour. Kicking off this month, it included a stop last night at DC’s Rock and Roll Hotel. More than a decade ago, The Harmony Bandits transformed into the gothic tinged rock stylings of Ours, later achieving widespread recognition with their single, “Sometimes” off the 2001 album Distorted Lullabies. Their subtle return holds great promise, backed up by real talent, particularly from Jimmy who boasts never having any real vocal training, while offering an impressive vocal range. But were they ever really here to being with? Can a one-hit wonder from the 90’s make a “comeback?” It is these introspective thoughts which Ours thrives on in their music. Perhaps this time around they’ll discover that sometimes… the sun does shine.

The Rock and Roll Hotel’s acoustics seemed near-perfect last night (the results of the new sound system?), or maybe it was the band itself who performed to CD quality sound. It was almost too perfect, as the entire show was like a pre-wrapped package with very little interaction. Jimmy’s falsettos pierced through the crowd, at times chilling, but lacking the raw elements of a live show. He stared out through the older crowd, (presumably their original fan base from the 90's) and lamented, more concerned with himself than anyone else. Their songs are dark and dreary (just take a glance at the titles on the set list), albeit powerful and striking. If only the set hadn’t lasted as long as it did. One can only take so much of the bleakness before wanting to crawl into a hole somewhere or head upstairs where the scene was much brighter.

Their U2 influences are clear and there was also a resemblance to Our Lady Peace and particularly Raine Maida’s new solo work. Ours still stands strong on their own right in both stage presence and experience, but fall short in trying too hard to be different. They exude seriousness on stage that is difficult to contain, especially during his long high pitched wails. Regardless of their tightly orchestrated act, including a swift return to stage for the encore, everyone seemed to really enjoy the set. It is difficult to tell if their new album, Dancing for the Death of an Imaginary Enemy, will merely be duplicating their previous attempts or if it will appeal to a new audience (judging by the title we can probably expect the dark saga of Jimmy’s life to continue). A few bands have managed to pull of the 90’s comeback, but we’ll have to wait and see if 2007 is the 'year of despair'.

Set List:

Willing
Mercy
Black
Drowning
Ran Away
Red Colored Stars
Murder
Moth
Ave Maria
God Only Wants You
The Worst Thing's Beautiful
If Flowers Turn
Bleed w/Jam
Live Again
Dizzy
Miseryhead
Get Up

Encore:
Fallen Souls

Photo from Killtheband.com