Pop Music Reviews : Combustible Edison Captures ‘50s Cool

New England lounge revivalists Combustible Edison’s performance Saturday night at Fuzzyland offered a generous set of expertly rendered, affectionately updated cocktail music.

The group’s debut album, “I, Swinger,” perfectly duplicates the ‘50s cool and hi-fi exotica of such lounge icons as Martin Denny. But as a live act there’s nothing dusty about Combustible’s sound.

Tightly arranged original tunes like “Impact!” and “Satan Says” were executed with engaging gusto. Even an elevator classic such as “Summer Samba” was reconstructed into a minor masterpiece of Space Age swing.

The versatile quintet often managed to sound like a much larger outfit, employing splashes of vibraphone, glockenspiel and a wide range of percussion to color their compositions. Drummer-vocalist Lily Banquette delivered affecting, tiki-torch readings of “Surabaya Johnny” and “Cry Me a River.”

Combustible Edison approaches its material with wit, but it never stoops to spoof or parody. Performing in matching ruffle shirts and sparkling vests--Banquette sported a pale green party dress--the group clearly reveled in bringing its retro-cocktail sounds to life.