Also last week, the battle of Seattle's vinyl-collecting finest took place at the Twilight Exit for a "Singles Party" (i.e., a 7-inch competition). DJs from the Lava Lounge, Chop Suey, the Twilight, the Eagle, and other party nights/venues spun mixes of garage, pop, hiphop, and classic rock for 15-minute sets. The competition was so tight, we judges had to call a draw--but one clear winner was the bacon-wrapped shrimp from the BBQ spread.
The Blood Brothers recently paired up with New York avant punks Liars. According to Liars guitarist Aaron Hemphill, the bands are recording a split single that's "part music, part art project" to come out on Hand Held Heart (oddly enough, they'll be covering different songs by the Doors). And the Intelligence had a run-in with the LAPD on their California tour. On that group's August L.A. stop, a police car hit the sirens last minute and ran a red light, careening into a Saab that then hit the Intelligence's van. Luckily, no one was hurt--except, I'm sure, the cops' pride.
On Friday, September 3, the Punkin House hosts avant folksters Old Time Relijun, electro-pastiche artist Secret Mommy, Portland's Panther, and locals Mikaela's Fiend. (For house address/info, go to www.seattlediy.com/punkinhouse.) Also Friday, Chop Suey hosts the long-awaited release party for charming electro-pop artists IQU (see page 41). On Saturday, September 4, the Dalmatians offer their recorded debut. Opening for like-minded animals the Unicorns, the Dalmatians turn electro punk into a basement party where everyone within earshot is invited. The Dalmatians' debut disc, Pop/Rock/Ruff-Drafts, boasts more caffeinated sugar fizz than a case of Rockstar. The trio's tight rhythm section is augmented with handclaps, gym whistles, simple Casio beats, and breathless male/female vocals. The group chants about staying positive, sibling relationships, and "getting your awesome on" vs. "getting your jerk on" to buoyant melodies framed by fuzzy distortion. The seven-song disc is an excellent introduction to this up-and-coming act--and live they dramatize that restless energy even more.
