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Concert Mon May 28 2007
Watch This
Watchers are a good example of Chicago band dichotomy.
Take their frontman, singer/keyboardist Michael Guarrine. As Watchers opened for The Eternals at a recent show, Guarrine appeared a slight, bald, well-dressed man, looking for all the world like the equally awkward David Byrne. Moments later, however, he was a wildman, contorting and humping audience members while band members, guitarist Ethan D'Ercole, bassist Chris Kralik, drummer Jess Birch, and percussionist Damien Thompson looked on.
Their latest album, Vampire Driver, doesn't betray the dichotomy, but sticks to its wildman story. Opening with "Chess Champion," the song proves a jangly, raw-nerved jaunt indicative, of the rest of the CD. Which is not to say there aren't plenty of grooves present: tracks like "Young One" and "Crumbs" add hips a-swinging to the mix. No Wave legend James Chance (Contortions) also shows up, as do fellow Chicagoans Damon Locks and Wayne Montana from The Eternals and Trenchmouth, but where The Eternals are beefing up their sonic layering, Watchers seem intent on doing just the opposite, evident on the angular "S.I.S.I.A.I." and "I Don't Want It."
Experience the hip shakin', audience humpin' good time for yourself at the Vampire Driver CD release party at Schubas on June 2. Jai Alai Savant and the aforementioned Eternals will be opening, so make sure to wear dancing pants.