Parenthetical Girls may be as much of an art project as it is a band. Solitary permanent member Zac Pennington intends their music to be specifically anti-nostalgic and unsentimenal, standing in stark contrast to not only other "baroque" outfits but most bands in general. There's a charming power in Parenthetical Girls' hyper-literate chamber pop. And whether or not you buy into the band's philosophies you have to admit that there's a confrontational quality to the tunes that you wouldn't expect from most others warbling phrases like "cowering complacence proves there's greatness to you." The band contains that idiosyncratic, unapologetic germ that makes bands great, and it's only highlighted in their live performances. Take a listen to their live set at Shea from 2011, and maybe have a dictionary handy. -LC