Smile. Go ahead, it's good for you. That's right, smile now. Can you do it? If you're finding an impromptu grin difficult, pick up the first album by The Polyphonic Spree, "The Beginning Stages Of . . .," and wash away any gloom for at least 68 minutes.
The Spree inject a much-needed shot of bright, unadulterated joy into our lives. This self-described "choral symphonic pop band" boasts 25 members, 15 of whom play harps, horns, violins, timpani and a theremin, among other instruments. Together with the 10 choral singers, the Dallas-based troupe makes an unapologetically joyful noise.
Now perhaps upon seeing this group of 25 young Texans in white robes, you might wonder how much weaponry they've already stored up for doomsday, but TPS is neither cult nor clan. They are merely a group of like-minded musicians brought together by Tim DeLaughter (formerly of the alt-rock band Tripping Daisy). DeLaughter felt that 25 people on stage in street clothes would be too distracting for live gigs, so he opted for uniform white smocks. The Spree as one, so to speak.