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	The Fame New York dolls

It’s curious enough that the New York Press opted to put the unsigned NYC band the Fame on its cover back in early June, since they have just one short self-released EP (Get on the Beat) to their name. But the alt-weekly — long accused of possessing an aversion to all things hipster — must have seen in the chipper, energetic foursome an opportunity to shake up a scene steeped in self-consciously moody synth-rock, one that at its best (Interpol) builds on the foundation of those who came before and at its worst (the Bravery, Action Action) ventures close to cover-band territory. With a synth-free, thoroughly unpretentious sound that borrows from such unlikely late-’70s/early-’80s sources as the Babys, Rick Springfield, and Badfinger, the Fame may well be a viable answer to New York cool.

A week ago Wednesday at T.T. the Bear’s Place, however, they were just another no-name act with a less-than-desirable opening slot and a poor turnout for their Boston debut. Of the 25 or so individuals who showed up, nine or 10 appeared to be having fun. The rest seemed perplexed by a band who looked as if they’d just stepped off an REO Speedwagon album cover. Not that the Fame seem fazed. On "Lost in You" and "Easy on You," bassist Alana Amram and lead singer/guitarist Reno Bo paraded their instruments around the stage as if they were playing the Pavilion. Lead guitarist Ryan Daniels unveiled vibrant, stadium-sized pop-rock hooks for "Get on the Beat." And when Reno delivered the line "I put a record on the stereo/Made my heart come undone/Ain’t nothing we won’t do for rock and roll" without a bit of tongue in his cheek, well, that sealed the deal for me. That’s right, New York Press: count me among the believers.