POP MUSIC REVIEW : NYLONS’ ‘ROCKAPELLA’ DOO-WOP AT ROXY

With Day-Glo shirts beneath paint-splattered suits, the Nylons are a Toronto quartet that apparently likes to think it is bringing a new twist to the a cappella vocal tradition that dates back in rock to the Orlons and Chiffons. The group’s even got its own, catchy name for its style: “rockapella.”

Despite the use of prerecorded percussion track on some numbers and tunes by such contemporary figures as Bruce Springsteen and Eurythmics, however, the group’s arrangements Tuesday at the Roxy came straight off the old street corners. Even though the approach may not be as original as the trappings imply, it was still fresh and entertaining.

Best were the classic doo-wop ensemble performances on such tailor-made material as the Beatles’ “This Boy” and the Drifters’ “Up on the Roof,” which were among those that did not feature the percussion track.

The percussion did, however, accent the campy dramatics of the likes of “Walking in the Sand,” and camp is a major part of the Nylons’ show. This inclination toward corn in both staging and between-song patter makes the group a natural for the talk-show and supper-club circuit, where it may ultimately find its fame. The Nylons were scheduled to perform at the Roxy again Wednesday and Friday at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano.