While some musicians focus on both their music and personal appearance, alt-rock band “We Are Scientists” balance their serious music with hilarious personalities. Upon visiting their homepage, one will see advertising for “equestrine upholstery,” or simply, horse blankets. It’s such a contrast that you wonder what the hell these guys are all about.
But one listen to any of their singles like “Chick Lit” or “After Hours” will have you hooked. Made up of vocalist and guitarist Keith Murray, bassist Christ Cain and drummer Michael Tapper, WAS combine angsty lyrics with a quintessential indie rock verve. The band are working on a third album, tapping Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows to join the team. The band are touring now, and you can catch them at the Black Cat on Jan. 21.
And while the music will be both serious and sarcastic, the band are sure to provide some witty banter in between songs. If you’re serious about going, heed the advice that the group provides on their Web site: “A fairly strict rock show: belts and some form of orthodontics (braces, retainer, etc) required.”
If WAS is still too ambiguous for you, how about a band that’s self-explanatory? This is where the Screaming Females come in. If you don’t like females screaming, then this is not the band for you. But banish thoughts of a typical screamo band a la Hawthorne Heights or Underoath that make you want to swath yourself in black and wear heavy chains; think more along the lines of the punky screams of the Strokes, accompanied by psychedelic pop rock and shredding guitar solos.
Comprised of Marissa Paternoster on vocals and guitar, Jarrett Dougherty on drums and King Mike on bass, the Screaming Females are the gnarliest punk rock band to come out of New Brunswick, N.J.
Paternoster is almost a one-woman show, filling venues with the sound of her wailing guitar solos and perfectly pitched howls. She can throw down and slam harder than many male guitarists of today, and her screams define the sound of the band. With a retro feel and heart-racing guitar solos, the Screaming Females are a must-see for any self-respecting rock ’n’ roll aficionado. They’ll be performing at the Black Cat on Feb. 7.
But if scientists and screaming females don’t quite hit the spot, how about a techno band headed by a flaming redhead with androgynous flair? La Roux are a two-piece band fresh out of Brixton, England, consisting of lead singer Elly Jackson and co-writer and co-producer Ben Langmaid. With a chart-topping song under their belt, La Roux are the new hip synth-pop duo, garnering just as much press for their futuristic sound as their colorful and playful image.
With “Bulletproof” and “In for the Kill” filling airwaves everywhere from clubs to radio stations to TV commercials, La Roux’s infectious blend of dance and electronica is instantly recognizable and catchy. Jackson’s vocals are clear and ridiculously high, soaring above the mélange of techno rhythms.
With their debut album already platinum in the UK, La Roux are embarking on a worldwide tour, titled “The Gold Tour.” With their music videos playing constantly on MTV, La Roux are set to take over the United States. They’ll be taking the stage on Feb. 2 at the 9:30 Club. With an epic dance floor, the concert is sure to be a wild party, electrifying the audience. Even if electronica isn’t your thing, just go for the sake of seeing the eccentric outfits Jackson is sure to wear.
But if even La Roux seems too tame and bubbly, then turn your attention to electro rapper Amanda Blank. She’s kitschy, flashy and she raps about anything and everything. The Phildelphia-based artist was a member of performance-art group Sweatheart, and has collaborated with alt-rapper Spank Rock, Ghostface Killah, M.I.A. and Santigold before eventually going solo.
She came out with her first album, “I Love You,” in August 2009. The album’s first single “Might Like You Better” is a straightforward and dirty rap all about sex. While this shows Blank’s wild side, she also tones it down with the sad and honest “A Love Song.” The song is simple, focusing on the honest lyrics that possess a story-like quality about them. But Blank’s style is all about the danceable hip-hop tunes and pumping electronic synths. She’s sure to bring out the beast in all her audiences. If you want to get raunchy and sweaty, Amanda Blank is coming to Rock N Roll Hotel on Jan. 30.
You can reach this staff writer at ydesta@theeagleonline.com.
