Virginwool are like a Boston Creme donut: with each bite you hope you'll hit the creamy inside, but until you reach it, the outside just seems a bit dry (although the chocolate frosting usually gets you through). Of course the wait always makes the reward that much sweeter.

The band formerly known as Gumwrapper Curb got their start in central Florida in the early nineties. They played out a lot, built up a local following, recorded an EP, and released an accompanying single which became a regional favorite (and is included on their new CD, which will be released later this month). They're now on an Eastern tour, and last week opened for Vic Thrill at the Mercury Lounge.

I had heard that Virginwool were going to deliver the sugary-pop-creamy-middle-goodness that everyone loves (even if most people keep it to themselves), and so when they came off at first sounding a bit too much like a run-of-the-mill Everclear knock-off, my disappointment was only allayed by their chocolate frosting equivalent, the charismatic and bouncy Jordan Pouzzner who fronts the Florida quartet. Swinging the microphone with such abandon that it almost seemed he was wrestling to keep it from escaping off the stage and disappearing into the New York night, his exuberance kept me entranced for the first couple songs, and when they finally launched into the catchy "You're the Girl," it was like finally reaching that long awaited pudding center.

You could tell these guys were veteran stage performers, as they got right to the point. Like the best donuts, their set was short and sweet. They played the best tracks off their new album, finished up with the single ("I Think Her Mother Loves Me"), thanked the audience, and in good opening act form, were off the stage in under 45 minutes.

As soon as they left the stage, I couldn't help but head straight for my local Dunkin' Donuts to buy the aforementioned Boston Creme. Once I reached the creamy middle, it was like breakfast and dessert all rolled into one. And who can beat that?

- Wendy Chamberlain