Even in college, most people have mixed feelings toward the a cappella groups that seem omnipresent these days (especially at New England schools), and the skepticism only seems to grow after graduation. But whatever you may feel about these doo-wop and vocal pop groups, you will indubitably be impressed by the progeny of one such ensemble: Jeff Himmelman and Brian Smith, frontmen of Brown Couch, are both alumni of the Yale Wiffenpoofs (as well as the Bakers Dozen), and their a cappella experience is paying off.

The tight harmonies that populate Brown Couch's songs are characteristic of a cappella arrangements, but rather than being set against a staid background of bops and shoo-wops, these are backed by solid bass and drums -- provided by Jordan Ringo and Todd Stone -- and one or two guitars, depending on the song. Brian also throws in some mean harmonica interludes.

It's not only in the vocals that the a cappella past shows through; the stage presence, the sheer energy of the group live, is something I've rarely seen except in the exuberantly glowing grins of college vocal groups. But the Brown Couch boys don't smile like maniacal clowns. They simply fill the room with an energy that draws you in and makes you want to dance. (If you've ever tried to make a room full of Ivy League students react enthusiastically to instrumentless renditions of 80's tunes, or seen this endeavor undertaken, you understand the challenge Jeff and Brian faced in school. They've clearly shared their secrets of success with their bandmates, because the entire group simply lights up on stage.)

The crowning a cappella touch that appears in Brown Couch's live performance is something that seems unique to college pop vocal groups: the incredible ability to cover songs in any and every genre, and not only get away with it, but make you happy they did. The audience at the Lions Den was treated to snippets of Ani DiFranco, Eminem, and Ghetto Boys, to name a few. (The band walked on to "Damn, it feels good to be a gangster," and then superceded the recorded music with their own version, complete with harmonica. It was the perfect kickoff.)

Despite the myriad a cappella influences, don't think that you're in for a collegiate experience if you see these boys in concert. With flavors of Sister Hazel, Guster, Barenaked Ladies, Blues Traveller, and many many others coming into play, they somehow come out with a sound entirely their own. The songs are comfortably familiar, yet fresh, with lyrics you'll want to post on your wall, melodies you'll sing all the way home, and rhythms that will make you want to shake your ass all night. And on top of everything, the boys in the band seem to be genuinely nice guys. The kind of guys you want to stick around and chat with after the show. Take advantage of the fact that right now their shows are still small enough to do that. I won't be surprised if that changes before very long.