*** Reservoir

PINK MACHINE

(Zero Hour)

Space Needle founder/Varnaline drummer Jud Ehrbar, who was once the drummer in Scarce, is the man behind the moniker Reservoir. On Pink Machine he offers an intriguing collage of yesterday and today, working with modern samples and drum machines, as well as the classic, dulcet tones of Fender Rhodes, a combination that brings to mind Beck's most recent musical forays and the two-decade old vibe of 10cc's "I'm Not in Love," Steely Dan, and the sweet sound of mid-'70s Memphis soul. Ehrbar's quasi-romantic delivery and pop-song acumen also draws on Brian Wilson ("40" updates the Beach Boys' "Do It Again") and John Lennon ("Go Back"). But this is an original talent who indulges his tapehead tendencies on the eight-minute-long "Air Coryell" (an allusion to the former coach of the San Diego Chargers) with enough savvy to keep the tones fluctuating wildly and the interest level high. Of all the new space-rock pilots out there, Ehrbar and his Reservoir represent one of the best.

-- Joe Harrington

(Reservoir play the Kirkland Café this Friday, August 22; call 491-9640.)