The Phenomenauts treat surf rock, spaced-out Moog, up-tempo punk, and catchy, clever pop melodies straight out of the 1950s as elements on their own sort of periodic table – a template with which the Oakland band conduct an array of wild experiments that would make a NASA scientist proud. The 13 tracks on the group's second full-length album, Re-Entry, could be used as a soundtrack to any number of classic sci-fi films or serve as theme songs for future space explorations. This may sound a bit kitschy or cheesy to anyone not familiar with the Phenomenauts, but after listening to this CD, with its tight musicianship and innovative approach, nonbelievers are likely to find themselves faithful cadets. Standout moments include the Elvis-gone-light-speed swagger of "Rocket Roll," the shout-and-respond chorus of "Gravity," and the final two tracks, "Welcome Home" and "Spacegirl," complete with theremin solo and doo-wop vocals that should have listeners tapping their feet, humming along, and hitting Repeat on their CD player. The Phenomenauts play Sun/21, DNA Lounge, S.F. (415) 626-1409; also Nov. 26, Bottom of the Hill, S.F. (415) 626-4455. (Sean McCourt)

D.W. Holiday
Technical Difficulties, Under the Influence (Three Ring)

D.W. Holiday gives new meaning to the word telecommute. With five members in San Francisco, led by songwriter Daniel Crowell, and four members in Minneapolis, led by songwriter Craig Clarke, the band perform the same music in separate corners of the United States. It's no surprise, then, that the group's third release, Technical Difficulties, Under the Influence, has somewhat of a split personality. Most of the tracks are shoegazer in mood, reflective, atmospheric space rock filled with enough percussion, bells, and echoed vocals to produce delightful instances of dream pop, such as the woozy, neo-psychedelic "Winter." But songs like "Cowpoke," a pure rock 'n' roll western ode, feel out of place on an album that's more akin to the music of Pink Floyd. While many rock-by-way-of-electronica bands in the Bay Area tinker with ambitious samples and beats that make the music danceable, D.W. Holiday take the route of those like Sigur Rós, who stick to the mellow side of things, often stretching the ho-hum of sound for long periods. On Technical Difficulties, though, the effort can feel a bit tedious and the arrangements more repetitive than one would hope. (Stephanie Laemoa)

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