Artist description Four handsome gentlemen.

Music Style New-phase soul

Musical Influences Stax/Volt Memphis soul, punk rock

Similar Artists Elvis Costello, John Lennon, Otis Redding, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion

Artist History In December 1996, a lanky, disheveled blues pianist named Pearly Sweets gave his first public performance, before twenty curious souls in a dark basement room in New Haven, Connecticut. During his rough-and-tumble upbringing in Louisville, he had studied piano with dowdy, classically-trained old ladies, wild-eyed jazzmen, and even indie hero Rachel Grimes (Rachel's, Hula Hoop). That night, as one raunchy rant bled into another, those assembled quickly realized this was not your run-of-the-mill, lovesick singer/songwriter. Indeed, Pearly was delivering a set so brash and so blunt, it could only be called Sex Rock.Over the next year and a half, his reputation spread, for both his cutting songwriting and his balls-out stage patter, which seemed to filter Henry Miller through Hee Haw. In November 1997, he put out a self-released full-length, That's What All the Girls Say, an effective document of the havoc Pearly could forge from 88 keys accustomed to much gentler treatment.Sensing inside a fully-amped, James Brown-fueled frontman struggling to escape, Pearly grew restless with the solo-piano circuit. In April 1998, he hastily formed the Platonics in preparation for an all-day music-and-boozefest at Yale University. The performance was a revelation. On that day, the Platonics -- Pearly on organ and vocals, Karl Tupper on bass, and Carl Ehrhardt on drums -- along with the Pearl-Drops -- three slender female backup vocalists in tight black dresses -- fused new wave with classic soul, working the inebriated assembly into a cold-sweat frenzy. Critics drew comparisons to Elvis Costello, the Animals, Jon Spencer, and even KC and the Sunshine Band. Meanwhile, the crowd of indie kids tossed their credibility to the wind, convinced that it was finally time to get their rocks off.The band developed a devoted fan base in New Haven, gaining a spot on Elevator Music's Revelation A-pop-a-lypse compilation (1999), and performing at downtown Manhattan's experimental-music mecca, the Knitting Factory. In February 2000, Garbage Czar Records released the first Platonics full-length, Pick Yourself Up, which committed to disc the same ecstatic frenzy that characterized their pheromone-soaked live show.The band picked up and moved to Chicago in October 2000, seeking closer proximity to its blues and soul heritage. While Ehrhardt did not make the trip, new drummer Brian Bosworth (yes, his real name) entered the fray with fists flying. Now, with the addition of Carl Lowendorf, an indie guitarist who is equally adept at heart-melting soul balladry, the Platonics for the first time are a full-blooded, four-piece band. Gutsy, dapper, and unforgettable, Pearly Sweets and the Platonics really boil down to one thing. At the end of the day, they just want your daughter.

Group Members Pearly Sweets (vocals and organ)Karl Tupper (bass)Carl Lowendorf (guitar)Brian Bosworth (drums).

Instruments organ, guitar, bass, drums.

Albums Pick Yourself Up (Garbage Czar Records, 2000); Revelation A-pop-a-lypse compilation (Elevator Music, 1999); That's What All the Girls Say (self-released, 1997).

Press Reviews "I've heard the future of rock 'n' roll, and his name is Pearly Sweets. That line has been used, you say. Another critic penned it about another young rocker, a guy named Springsteen. Well, that's the point, I think. Pearly Sweets. Remember the name. Is he the next Dylan? Dylan, Bob or Dylan Thomas? Stay tuned." (Louisville Eccentric Observer, 1/7/98)"I need Pearly Sweets's tapes. Is he the result of some unknown Little Richard sperm donation? Can the band possibly be the 'new wave' inspired, '90s recreation of K.C. & the Sunshine Band? Can Pearly Sweets possibly be one of the few reasons left to get you up and shakin' your derriere? Yes, yes and yes." (New Haven Advocate, 5/21/98)"Anyone who has seen Pearly Sweets perform knows that he is just that good. As a songwriter and performer, he has the pop ear of Elvis Costello and the charisma of Stevie Wonder." (Yale Herald, 9/18/98)"The next band was quite a surprise, in the best possible way. Pearly Sweets and the Platonics, with backup singers the Pearl-Drops! Wow! When they got on stage, everyone began to scream. There were at least one hundred kids out in the thirty degree springtime weather, and they all wanted Pearly Sweets! It reminded me of James Brown." (Ink19.com, 6/99)"We've heard the new Pearly Sweets and the Platonics album, and they've kept their keyboard-heavy whiteboy '60s R&B punk vibes respectfully raw." (New Haven Advocate, 12/2/99)

Additional Info Merchandise, and full-fledged website, coming soon.

Location Chicago, IL - USA

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