I don’t tend to mention the dozens of bands that write to me every issue, begging for coverage. Primarily because most of them suck. However, local expat trio PERTH struck my fancy, as just the sort of sludgy trash rock this city is missing. The Australian/Canadian/Armenian group formed late last year,and has recently started playing gigs. Definitely a band to watch, especially if you fondly remember the sludgy rock of old AMPHETAMINE REPTILE and TOUCH&GO bands.
Although THE SKATALITES (May 20, Apelsin, 20:00) combine two things I am generally not a fan of – ska music and old people – I do have to give them props. As one of the original Jamaican ska bands of the 60s, not only have they kept on playing for four decades, but they’ve inspired thousands of bands. Most of them are shitty, though. But maybe there were a couple good ones in there. Or is that wishful thinking?
So, uh, the BACKSTREET BOYS (May 21, Olimpisky, 19:00) are in town. I have no idea if they have original members with them or not. I find it hard to imagine anyone cares. Even here.
Moving on, as one of the founding members of FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY, BILL LEEB has a pretty untouchable record in electronic music. And yet he continues to work on his side project, DELERIUM (May 21, Ikra, 21:00), which further cements his reputation. Initially started in the late 80s as an ambient outlet, over the years, the duo has become much more danceable.
Over the last few years, JASON WEBLEY (May 22, Gogol, 21:00) has built a reputation as a DIY singer, mixing folk, punk and gypsy. Kind of like a one-man GOGOL BORDELLO or something. It seems like every time he tours, I get emails from friends telling me how great his gigs were, and yet I’ve never managed to make one. This tour brings him not only to Moscow, but also to Norilsk! So if you happen to be above the Arctic Circle, definitely check that out.
If there is one city in the world where closeted gays can get together to camp it up for LIZA MINELLI (May 22, B1 Maximum, 21:00), surely Moscow is it.
Summer festival season kicks off with the annual STOP THE SILENCE FEST (May 23, Gogol, 17:00). This year, the fest features Americans THE PAPER CHASE, an experimental Texas indie band who has had a rather long and distinguished career in the American indie underground, drawing regular comparisons to bands like DRIVE LIKE JEHU, LES SAVY FAV and UNWOUND. Support is provided by Latvian garage rockers MONA DO BO, as well as locals HOT ZEX, SILENCE KIT and KOSMOS.COM.
The last time PLACEBO singer ROISIN MURPHY (May 23, B1 Maximum, 21:00) came to town, she cut her face open headbanging on Ikra’s stage. Apparently enough people are interested in seeing a repeat, that they had to move the show to a much bigger – and less intimate – venue.
Having grown up the son of a DJ, MATTHEW STYLES (May 23, Solyanka, 23:00) had music in his blood. So it’s no surprise that over the years he has started remixing, and playing parties. His deep house style should suit anyone who fondly remembers Propaganda circa five years ago. Did you get my irony?
I’m fairly certain that KISS (May 24, Olimpisky, 19:00) had already completed their farewell tour. I guess this must be part two or three or four. You’ve either already bought tickets, or you couldn’t care less. I am in the latter group.
Those of you in a trashy garage rock sort of mood are in for a treat with this double header: early in the evening you can catch MOTHERFATHERS, RIVUSHIE STRUNY and INQUIZITORIUM (May 24, Dom, 20:00), before a quick metro ride to catch a late show by THE KING KONGS and THE CAVESTOMPERS (May 24, Proekt OGI, 22:00). Basically, an evening of cheap-o beer, loud rock, and distortion.
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