So, The Polyphonic Spree celebrated the midnight release of their new album, The Fragile Army, this week with a huge party at Good Records in Dallas. Founder of the Spree and co-owner of Good Records, Tim DeLaughter, was present along with the rest of his large crew to drink, sign autographs, and mingle with fans. The Dallas-based band received a warm reception from family, friends, and fans at the party and informal meet & greet. Four kegs, gourmet catering, and an open wine bar always spell “successful party” as far as I’m concerned. Around 11:00, they dimmed the lights for a screening of a movie that featured videos and photos of the band, political images (picture: huge flashing images of Mr. Bush’s face and flames), and animated sequences set to tracks from the new album. The movie itself was cool, but the best part was watching the band sing a long… to their own songs.

While there’s a lot that could be discussed here: the album, the new overtly political themes, critical responses to the album, blah blah blah… What I really need to discuss is the Spree’s new look. Fashion alert, ladies! I love that they’ve dropped the frumpy, garishly-colored gospel frocks for slimming, black, military inspired jumpsuits. The total look is completed with Fragile Army patches, pins, and a red medic cross. Tres chic! While dressing the same as the twenty-something other people around you may not always seem like fun, member Mark Pirro (also inventor of the Copperphone!) seems to enjoy it. “There’s a lot of anonymity in it,” he said. Right, because marching around looking like a group of hipster paratroopers doesn’t attract attention. Just kidding. Go buy Fragile Army and catch the band on one of their many stops during their summer international tour!

(Additional Note: The included photo was taken during the pre-party. After that, it got really busy. If you’re unhappy with the quality of my photojournalism, email SRO and tell them to pay me more… or, just pay me. Holla.)