The Stnnng

Too artsy to really fit in with the hardcore scene, Minneapolis's the Stnnng doesn't even bother to try. The act's jagged energy, sweeping dynamism and fiery intensity defy easy categorization. Driving bass drones bounce off atonal guitar hysteria. As maniacal drumming kicks up whirlwinds of angular sound, vocalist Chris Besinger...

By Tom Murphy

October 2, 2008

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Too artsy to really fit in with the hardcore scene, Minneapolis's the Stnnng doesn't even bother to try. The act's jagged energy, sweeping dynamism and fiery intensity defy easy categorization. Driving bass drones bounce off atonal guitar hysteria. As maniacal drumming kicks up whirlwinds of angular sound, vocalist Chris Besinger doles out fragments of dadaist social critique and apocalyptic storytelling, like the blending of a punk-rock Bill Hicks and David Yow. Live, the band isn't just heavy; there is a heady and slightly demented atmosphere to the music that gives it a sense of play, as if each member of this outfit were laughing at doomsday looming on the horizon. This Tuesday night, the Stnnng is making a special detour, well off any sensible tour route, to Denver to perform a show worthy of its name.

Tom Murphy is a writer, visual artist and musician from Aurora, Colorado. He was a prolific music writer for Westword and a documenter of the Denver music scene.

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