POP MUSIC REVIEW : Dramarama Mixes Space and Time for Punchy, Self-Conscious Show

All right: who messed with the space-time continuum controls at the Roxy?

Dramarama--the L.A. via New Jersey band that has built a loyal local following through KROQ airplay over the last couple of years--performed last week decked out in colorful, ‘60s-ish shirts on a stage strewn with Love Generation flowers; its music reflecting an array of ‘70s glitter and punk influences, its audience a slam-dancing morass of collegiates and skinheads drawn to the band’s ‘80s suburban- Angst themes. The group plays the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Friday.

Actually, each of those phenomena was approached too self-consciously to simulate authenticity. But that didn’t lessen the fact that Dramarama’s music at its best carries a punch as real as the bruises the slammers took home.

Celebrating the release of its new “Stuck in Wonderamaland” album (and suffering from some serious-sounding head colds), the band powered its way through 70 minutes of catchy but raw rockers and well-placed, self-doubt-laden ballads, spiced by tributes to David Bowie (an almost Neil Young-like version of “Sweet Thing”) and the New York Dolls. John Easdale, singing like a cross between Iggy Pop and Ian Hunter and looking--with his beard, shoulder-length hair and flat expression--a bit like the Mad Monk, is a solid, sometimes compelling frontman. Still, something seemed to be missing.

But if you (correctly) think of Dramarama as sort of the Replacements’ older brothers, something’s missing. The sextet shares the ‘Mats overwhelming sense of emotional frailties while singing about the same kind of concrete inspirations (“70’s TV”) and needs (a “Last Cigarette” before bed). The frustrations--sometimes specific, sometimes nebulous--come through as real.

But the band could pick up a few tips from its little “siblings.” Replacements’ shows are erratic, as likely to be a sloppy mess as a brilliant display, but (or because) they’re tied to the emotions of the moment. They do (or don’t) play particular songs simply because it’s what they feel like doing right then.

Although its stage command has grown by leaps an bounds over the last couple of years, Dramarama last week seemed as if it were doing songs because they were on the set list. And whatever aura of spontaneity might have survived was blown when Easdale preceded “Last Cigarette” by asking if anyone had a light for his.

Dramarama and Tommy Keene play Friday at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. Show time: 9 p.m. Tickets: $15. Information: (714) 496-8930.