POP MUSIC REVIEW : Dramarama Packs a Punch at Roxy

All right, who messed with the space-time continuum controls at the Roxy on Wednesday?

Dramarama--the L.A.-via-New Jersey band that’s built a loyal local following over the last couple of years--performed decked out in colorful, ‘60s-ish loose-fitting shirts on a stage strewn with Love Generation flowers; its music reflected an array of ‘70s glitter and punk influences, its audience was a slam-dancing morass of collegiates and skinheads drawn to the band’s ‘80s suburban Angst themes.

Actually, each of those phenomena was approached too self-consciously to simulate authenticity. But that didn’t lessen the fact that Dramarama’s music at its best carries a punch as real as the bruises the slammers took home.

Celebrating the release of its new “Stuck in Wonderamaland” album (and suffering from some serious-sounding head colds), the band powered its way through 70 minutes of catchy but raw rockers and well-placed, self-doubt-laden ballads. John Easdale, singing like a cross between Iggy Pop and Ian Hunter and looking a bit like the Mad Monk, is a solid, sometimes compelling front man.

But if you think of Dramarama as sort of the Replacements’ older brothers, something was missing. The sextet shares some of the ‘Mats inspirations (“70’s TV”) and needs (a “Last Cigarette” before bed). But Replacements’ shows are electrifyingly erratic, as likely to be a sloppy mess as a brilliant display, because they’re tied to the emotions of the moment. Dramarama’s stage command has grown impressively, but any sense of spontaneity was blown when Easdale preceded “Last Cigarette” by asking if anyone had a light for his. That’s not the way to become timeless.

Dramarama’s late show Wednesday was canceled due to the illnesses in the band, but two shows were scheduled for the Roxy on Thursday and one at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano next Friday.