Strangers Die Every Day

Equal parts Bernard Herrmann, John Zorn and Jim O'Rourke, Strangers Die Every Day makes cinematic, esoteric chamber punk that never forgets to rock. Bassist Stirling Myles and drummer Lawrence Armstrong thunder away like an indie-rock rhythm section that fell into the orchestra pit, while violinist Scott Wilkinson and cellist Jessie...

By Eryc Eyl

February 15, 2007

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Equal parts Bernard Herrmann, John Zorn and Jim O'Rourke, Strangers Die Every Day makes cinematic, esoteric chamber punk that never forgets to rock. Bassist Stirling Myles and drummer Lawrence Armstrong thunder away like an indie-rock rhythm section that fell into the orchestra pit, while violinist Scott Wilkinson and cellist Jessie Dettwiler shred their instruments of choice with avant abandon. Whereas Louisville sluggers such as Slint, Rodan and especially Rachel's blazed the trail, this intrepid quartet wanders giddily off course, indulging in dissonant, cathartic and downright spooky reveries that would make Stravinsky smile. Still, there's just enough straightforward rock sensibility preserved to make the most classical-phobic scenester nod along. Strangers shares a bill with Nightshark and Red Cloud West this Saturday, February 17, at the hi-dive; look for the act to artfully bridge the gaping gorge between the former's skronky abstracts and the latter's stomping, rustic, psychedelic freakouts. Open your mind but plug your ears: This lineup could do some real damage.

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