Music Reviews : Greta Cools Off Its Abrasive Pop

It’s been nearly a year since Greta has played in L.A., and a lot has changed for the local quartet. Its blend of abrasive pop with a dramatic cabaret appeal was once the center of a buzz and bidding war, leading to a debut album released by Mercury last year. But at the Whisky on Tuesday, the band seemed to have lost the demanding and arrogant attitude that made it alluring the first time around.

Singer and guitarist Paul Plagen still went from raging mad to vaudeville campy to twistedly nervous, but it was without his original daredevil extremes. His highs and lows--from the shrill tones of Rush’s Geddy Lee to guttural growls--were more even-keel, dulling his sassy luster. But the singer--just returned to the band from a stint in substance abuse rehab, during which he was temporarily replaced by a sub singer--did still wear a dress, this time a brown floral number, complete with a beaded choker.

The music also seemed to lose some of its dynamics. It came out chaotic, assaulting and shapeless, with little breathing space in between the repetitious grinds. A few catchy numbers at the end came to life, including a sinisterly sweet cover of “Pennies From Heaven.”