POP MUSIC REVIEW : Manic, Satisfying Greta at Bogart’s

Greta kicked off what looks to be an extremely promising new year with a manic, dynamic show Saturday evening at Bogart’s in Long Beach.

The young L.A.-based rock band, recently signed to a high-profile contract with Mercury Records, treated the packed club to a dozen well-received tunes that covered the stylistic gamut.

From the punk-rock assault of “Love Is Dead” to the lilting strains of “Sleepyhead” to a rendition of “Pennies From Heaven,” Greta proved that eclectic doesn’t necessarily mean unfocused.

Musically, surprising and intense tempo changes and unexpected mood shifts highlight Greta’soften-dark, introspective lyrics, while singer Paul Plagens was alternately agonized and sensual in his vocal delivery.

In its two years together, the band has evolved and continues to carve a niche in a business obsessed with pigeon-holing artists. Hopefully, the foursome whose full-length debut is slated for a late-summer release will continue to create without falling prey to outside expectations and trends.