Slayed!

Slayer, Polaris, the Mockingbirds, and more

by Michael Caito

The Mockingbirds

So we're sitting at Easter dinner forking ham and my beloved godfather gives me the silent "zounds!" look -- the family equivalent of about 17 hairy eyeballs or one solid backhander --when I start talking about the sold-out Slayer show Friday at Lupo's.

And I mean sold out. Beyond packed. Anticipating the spectacle arriving with les plus grand of Grand Guignol death metal is always fun, but never as much as observing their fans, mainly because I haven't heard much earth-shattering music from Slayer in years.

Which does not mean they can't still entertain, shake floors and rupture tympanic membranes with their guitar / bass chugs and bass drum artillery. Their fans are loyal as hell (sorry), the band's "stance" or "message" uncompromising, their t-shirts and headline tours devoid of corporate logos. They remind us of the ceaseless presence of evil in the world, voice difficult-to-communicate frustrations at repeated human mistakes (no really, can we start anotherWorld War in the exact same place?), and are far more original, if less theatrical, than the Alice Cooper / Alien Sex Fiend hybrid that is Marilyn Manson.

The mosh pits were, joy of joys, actual mosh pits, and though Idid catch a stray foot in the head once (just watching, ma), the bouncers, to their credit, kept things fairly sane while I was hanging out between two of the larger pits. This couldn't be a full live review because sheer volume -- they seemed to have brought their own stadium-strength PA -- forced early departure (I'd lost my earplugs earlier during the PBruins waltz over the Baby Habs). But it needed saying. Got no beefs with Slayer. Good Friday.

Polaris: Music from The Adventures of Pete & Pete (Mezzotint 12-song CD)

Polaris are Mark Mulcahy (ex-Miracle Legion), Spot "Scott" Boutier and Dave McCaffrey, with the latter two concurrently forming Frank Black's (ex-Pixies) rhythm section. Fans of the late New Haven-based Legion will note that this one spares the occasionally maudlin overtones which marred some of Mark's most recent release, 1995's solo Fathering (Mezzotint). In listening to that now it seems apparent that Mark was miffed --  then, at least -- at longtime Legion associate and comparatively new father Mr. Ray (now touring and recording in upstate New York). But Ray does appear pseudonymously (as the liner notes' Mappa Mundi, we're guessing), so the record is less like tunes culled from three seasons' worth of a kids television show (now syndicated) and more like the last Legion album with a raft of cameos.

The seasoned popcraft of Mulcahy is less wistful than usual yet still strong throughout. Kinda like Ray Davies in the middle of a personal-best streak of happiness -- sourdough in the middle, still wry 'round the edges. The guests also make this one noteworthy; Scarce alumna Joyce Raskin sings along on a few, guitarist Dennis Kelly (Pull-Tabs) releases his first recording using lap steel, and trumpeter Buell Thomas (ex- of previous Rock Hunt champs Superbug, last heard studying / playing in NYC) blows dulcet tones on several cuts. The brothers Cummins (dubbed here "Mark V" and "Tomulon") add breadth to McCaffrey's typically reliable vocal complement, and the whole has the feel of a quiet spring morn under cloudy skies. Something for everyone. Even kids.

The Mockingbirds (5-song indie CD)

A recent set at the Century Lounge proved this RIC-by-way-of-Burrillville quartet to be hugely promising, but singer Heather Rose had mucho trouble staying on key that night. If this EPis any barometer, the live set was an aberration borne of Rose's over-exuberance, but only for those who didn't miss the otherwise notable hooks, guitarist Kenneth Cardoso's goofball appeal and sharp chops, and a rhythm section prone to leavening their Beatles / R.E.M. power-pop ride with jam-band grooves. There was a lot happening onstage, as Cardoso did the Beck wriggle over quality country-rock shit-kicker riffs and Rose swerved among Bikini Kill, Ashley Von Hurter and admitted idol Tanya Donelly. Sound like too many ingredients?In less talented hands it would be, so the fact that this young quartet ultimately kept things afloat -- the occasional live vocal clangor aside -- shows they're determined, enjoyable and capable enough to be heard.

STARS & BARS. Ani DiFranco fans have spoken, and while her dozenth disc Up6 (Righteous Babe) won't rank as the DIY dervish's best to date, you can bet her next one's probably half written. Such is the prolific -- and somewhat terrifying, to be honest -- pace of this dynamo, whose catalog already boasts enough clarity, power and vibrance to show the world that not only does Utah Phillips (whose newest Fellow Workers(Righteous Babe) is out next month) still kick hard, but that there's more than one Dominator in Buffalo. Live, Ani will be joined on Saturday at the Civic Center by Jason Mercer, Julie Wolf, and new drummer, Geggy Tah alum Daren Hahn. Rock on, Ani.

Sunday at CAV, the Folks Together axis gather for a 1 of 52 fund-raising event to eradicate hunger in R.I., so your $3 not only garner a heaping helping of sterling folk music, but serve a most worthy cause. Tonight's (4/8) Kristin Hersh open rehearsal gig may also feature Chick Graning opening, but at presstime this was unconfirmed. What is set is Friday, when Delta Clutch, with keyboard ringer Eric "The Whip" Fontana from the Mutha, perform with Kevin Mack's Fall City Kings in a keen slug-it-down swampfest as part of Fools Week. Don't forget the Slip, who on the 14th and 15th play the Space's Fools Week Aftershock party . . . twice.

Also on Wednesday the 14th, Grüvis Malt celebrate Sound Soldiers (Solid Pimpz) with a special pre-release listening party in anticipation of their full-blown CD release bash the 23rd at Lupo's. First single's "Volume," V Majestic's Frank Difficult mixed it at Sound Station Seven, Dave Stem (Diva Studios, ex-Vehicle) co-produced with this sextet on the rise. Miniwatt (formerly Broadcaster) perform at the Turner Art Gallery in Pawtucket Saturday with Arab On Radar and La Machine (featuring Six Finger Satellite members). It's on Main Street in the bucket; info at 726-3276.

Speaking of fund-raising, WRIU has just concluded Radiothon '99 but are still accepting donations to keep State U.'s non-commercial airwave action fast and fruitful. Fruitful is usually the term which describes folk programming patron response during Radiothon, since that immense department (featuring Chuck Wentworth, Laura Travis, Mike Fischman and others) usually pulls in the longest green donation-wise. The rock department, while lagging behind folk in Radiothon pledges, still carves out a great Wednesday 9 p.m.-midnight slot for in-studio band performances, not to mention Ed Slota's year-long "Citibeat" century-end countdown. This Sunday at 9 p.m., tune to Ed at 90.3 FM to hear the best from 1969, plus penetrating Red Sox / Patriots commentary, rock and roll history and a remark or two about the Rams' new / old / new / old hoop coach.

Just so you know:While tooling through north London, Oasis singer Liam Gallagher's BMW was trashed last week by Arsenal fans because Gallagher and his 'mates are vociferous Manchester United fans and those clubs clash in a mammoth FA Cup semifinal Sunday. Hotspur (v. Newcastle in the other semi) fans realize it's best to leave little Liam to his own devices.

Footie? No hands? As if. Go Bruins . . . .day the 8th. Cover is, as usual, end view of Pope. Errr, pipe. Happy Easter.