From the Jan 27 – Feb 2, 2005 issue

Music

Live Wire

Breakups and Birthdays

by Jennifer Maerz

Tiny (capacity: 49) Central District venue Gallery 1412--a space featured in our classical/avant column The Score--has been exploring booking more rock and electronic acts. Owned by a 10-member collective, the smoke-free storefront is expanding on groundwork carved out by former avant-music nonprofit Polestar Gallery and is currently hosting acts like Calvin Johnson and the Dead Science. 1412's Gust Burns explains, "[It] is the only space in Seattle, one of the only spaces on the West Coast, that is dedicated to improvised, experimental, new music." Adds co-owner Tom Swafford, "We are widening our scope further by including small rock shows, singer/songwriters, etc. We want to keep all of it on the adventurous side." On Wednesday, February 2, 1412 hosts L.A.'s This Song Is a Mess but So Am I, "minimalist prog trio" Schlaze Cubed (featuring ex-members of Display), and Black:Japan. The last duo rewire your gray matter with a mix of ambient and abrasive instrumental effects, concocted from within a coffin-like display of sinister-looking gear. Gallery 1412 is located at 1412 18th Avenue (www.gallery1412.org).

Band news/Bad news: In my recent reporting on Alternative Tentacles, I failed to mention another local hardcore act, Skarp, also made the cut for Jello Biafra's punk label. Congrats to them… In less celebratory news, two of Seattle's more popular acts, Cobra High and the Girls, have both called it quits. Disappointing to hear--although the Girls stress their parting was amicable. Word is that Cobra High's unreleased new record is amazing.

Club kid reports: A recent journey to the Baltic Room's bimonthly Members Only party proved worthwhile, as the place was packed with the young, stewed, and swanky dancing to a mix of everything from Fischerspooner and Kylie to more subtle punk funk and indie rock. Their next event is Wednesday, February 2… And Happy Birthday Pho Bang. The Seattle freak factory booked the Gossip at Neumo's on Friday, January 28, to help celebrate five years in the business. Pho Bang--which started as a way to desegregate drag performances, dance nights, and rock shows--has blossomed into a catchall for the unruliest clutter of punk, drag, and death disco this city has to offer. Asked for a club-night highlight, emcee Ursula Android answers, "Well, this sounds really awful, but one of the most memorable nights at [former Pho Bang headquarters] Foxxes was the night we had a drive-by shooting out front. A car pulled up and shouted 'Faggots!' and shot Jackie Scott (deaf drag diva extraordinaire) in the ankle, and also shot an underage punk kid in the head. Miraculously, neither was seriously injured. For some reason Jackie Scott was convinced that the assailants were out to get me, and she told everyone that she 'took the bullet for Ursula!'"

Bands, bookers, clubs, and studios: Remember to register for The Stranger's annual Musicians' Directory, the most comprehensive guide to the music scene Seattle has to offer. It's free, and you can enter online at www.thestranger.com or using the ballots printed in the paper.

jennifer@thestranger.com

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