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On Tuesday night, June 9, Steve Sigl, of The Happy Casualties dragged me back to Mr. T's Bowl to see his other band, a new project called The Shoenberg Knifefight Ensemble, who have recently been hitting the clubs. I hardly know where to begin, as the sound is totally different from Casualties, the centerpiece being the theatrical, extravagant lead singer, John Rickel, whose odd, tourette -like behavior commanded your attention. I've never seen Steve play guitar like that before and it was inspiring. In fact the whole band, Troy Westover on keys, Steve Rosenthal on bass and Doug Boyle on drums played with a ferocious intensity.
I loved the song about their friend and compatriot, "Victor Ferrari", but how can you not like a song with a title like "Phantom of the Copa Cabana". It was interesting to contrast Steve Sigl's songwriting for The Happy Casualties, which is straightforward rock and roll, with his songs for The Shoenberg Knifefight Ensemble, which are quirky and inventive, with more than a hint of flamboyance. He can write an engaging, attractive melody and then hang irony-laced lyrics on top. I once heard someone describe Broadway composer, Stephen Sondheim's music and lyrics as whipped cream with razor blades inside. The same applies here.
-Brad
Feed Your Head
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