Coma in Algiers
Red 7, Jan. 23Friday night offered a quintet of experimental local bands, each drafting its own version of the noise ordinance. Venison Whirled, the solo project of ST 37 drummer Lisa Cameron, welded sewer sounds from a vibrator and contact mics, among other things. No Wave quartet A Faulty Chromosome’s equation included a drum machine plus a drummer, cowbell, synth, harmonies, and love of Joy Division and K Records. Crushes, a duo originally from Los Angeles, reopened Venison Whirled’s sewer grate with electronic drums and a guitar made out of effects pedals in a manner reminiscent of Suicide or Chrome, though they could use a little polish. Cry Blood Apache, which seems to have a different configuration every time out, was its core threepiece, bass and shards of guitar pulsating behind singer Kaspar Glass’ yelped waves. Coma in Algiers’ tightly wound thrash capped the night. The quintet played material from an upcoming spring release as well as songs from 2007 debut This Is Your Justice, its lanky, left-handed guitarist pulling savage tones from his instrument while complemented by the feral screams of his bandmates. CIA’s live shows always feel like they’re about to derail, which is what makes them engaging. It’s the kind of music that’s itchy on the inside and projecting its discomfort noise with bed head and dilated pupils.
This article appears in January 30 • 2009.