Monday, March 22, 2010

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Apoptygma Berzerk

You have probably heard the answer “it’s not rocket science”, but what was the question? In this case, it might offer a clue to the essence of Apoptygma Berzerk itself, to the force that drives the man who personifies the band, Stephan Groth. “If I had studied mathematics or engineering for the same amount of time that I’ve been “studying” music and working with Apoptygma, I would probably have been a rocket scientist by now. That’s part of where “Rocket Science” comes from. I’m doing the only thing I know how to do. Apop has been my life since the age of 18.”

One of the endearing features of Apoptygma Berzerk has always been the open enthusiasm with which they embrace their influences – going so far as to record an entire album of cover versions (the 2006 “Sonic Diary”), reaching back as far as Nico and as far forward as Keane. Their version of House of Love’s “Shine On” was a hit in its own right. The Apop sound, meanwhile – typified by Groth’s vocal delivery – is instantly recognizable and could never be reduced to the sum of its parts. Compulsive genre seekers tend to lock them in a box labelled synthpop, but this fails to do justice to their broader appeal across electronic and rock boundaries. There is much to be explored in the latest thought-provoking chapter of the Apoptygma Berzerk narrative. The lyrics will invite you deeper into the rabbit hole if you follow the trail. Asleep or awake, real or surreal, red pill or blue pill?

As the band cranks up the volume and moves into sonic overdrive, they leave us with one final question: if it’s not rocket science, then what is it?

Think about it, because (and if you listen carefully, you might hear Amanda Palmer of The Dresden Dolls on this song): “Running away at the speed of light won’t keep us safe” (“Black versus white”).

This is an all ages event. Tickets are $17 in advance. Please note that we’ve changed our ticket outlet locations. Tickets are available for cash only at these locations: Bookworks, Encore Music, and Newsland across from UNM. We are very pleased to add Newsland as an outlet! Of course, you can also get tickets with your credit or debit card by calling 1-866-I-GET-TIX (1-866-443-8849) or visiting www.GetTix.net. Service charge, facility fee, and/or handling fee may apply for advance tickets.

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Where: The Historic El Rey Theater 622 Central Ave SW Albuquerque, NM 87102

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An Evening with the Infamous Stringdusters

The Infamous Stringdusters will be performing at El Ray Theater in Albuquerque, NM on Wednesday, March 24. Show begins at 8:00pm. Tickets are $14 in advance and $17 day of show.

About the most important question a young bluegrass band faces right out of the gate is whether they can play. The Infamous Stringdusters wasted no time in providing their answer—an emphatic “yes”—winning IBMA Album, Song and Emerging Artist of the Year the very same year they released their debut, Fork In the Road. On Things That Fly, their third album, due out April 20, 2010 on Sugar Hill, they venture into virtually uncharted territory for an acoustic group: a sonically and thematically expansive album that lends itself to absorbed listening from start to finish, much like the great rock albums do.

Speaking of formidable rock albums, the ‘Dusters drew the second track on Things That Fly from U2’s Joshua Tree. Not only did they transform “In God’s Country” into their own propulsive, virtuosic vehicle, they wrote transcendent anthems in a similar spirit: “Taking a Chance on the Truth” and “Love One Another.” Surprising covers, unusual arrangements and other departures from the expected make Things That Fly something different – namely a sign that they’ve elevated their sound and set their sights higher than ever before.

http://publicity.sugarhillrecords.com/?page_id=215.

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Where: El Ray Theater 622 Central SW Albuquerque, NM 87102

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