Demo2DeRo: Jesse Palter & the Alter Ego

It’s hard to ignore a pitch like, “Think pop like Coca-Cola, think raw fun like Ecstasy, think catchy like a lacrosse stick,” if only because you want to counter, “No way this band is going to sound like that much fun!” But sure enough, Jesse Palter & the Alter Ego deliver on those promises with a strong four-song EP currently streaming on the Web at www.myspace.com/jessepalterthealterego and www.palterego.com.

Vocalist Jesse Palter and multi-instrumentalist Sam Barsh began their collaboration in 2006. Both had enviable reputations in the jazz world–Palter was named “Outstanding Jazz Vocalist” for three years in a row at the Detroit Music Awards before moving to Chicago, while Barsh has played with names such as Cassandra Wilson, Bobby McFerrin and the Brand New Heavies–but the goal of the Alter Ego was to bring their considerable chops to the often simplistic genre of dance-pop, creating irresistible hooks and undeniable grooves that are as smart and sophisticated as they are silly good-time fun.

In other words, Lady Gaga, watch out! (The band recently played Martyr’s; watch its Web sites for other upcoming gigs.)