Metro Pulse/Music/Eye on the Scene

Talking Smack, Part II

The members of Haggus were amused by Pink Sexies front man Hamo's comments in last week's Eye on tonight's loser-leaves-town death match between the two bands at the Pilot Light. Hamo compared Haggus to Osama bin Laden and Adolf Hitler, derided their thrash metal as violent music "about killing people and stuff," and insisted that the Sexies would remain standing at the end of the night.

But Joel, singer and bassist for Haggus, says there's no doubt about who will be leaving town after the show. "What it comes down to is those guys are leaving, and nobody will be sad to see them go," Joel says. "I can't understand how the band actually makes any money, with that guy running around spilling beer and breaking bottles and rolling around on the floor. I'll be glad to see those guys go, and if I can play a part in that I'll feel like I've done something for the community. Haggus, we like to give something back. Our fans actually like us."

Joel also points out that he thinks Hamo's confrontational performance antics are a cover for the band's shortcomings. "He's trying to compensate for the rest of the guys not having any talent," he says. "You can tell everybody in the crowd hates them. People just want to see whatever other band they're playing with bad enough to wade through that."

When asked what his response will be if the Pink Sexies win the battle, Joel dismisses the possibility. "You haven't seen us, have you?" he asks. "That's why you're asking that question. It might sound like a battle of the bands, but it's not, really. Those guys are leaving town."

The throw-down will hit the Light on Thursday, May 23.

Sayonara

After almost five years of moody goth rock, Pegasi 51 is calling it quits. Drummer Kiki Pena and his brother, bassist Tevy, are planning a move to Texas soon, leaving singer Rusty Yarnell and guitarist Greg McGuire behind. Rusty says he hopes to stay involved in the local scene, but he doesn't have an immediate project lined up.

Turnout for the Pegasi's last show at the Pilot Light on May 16 was hampered by the recently reunited Skeyebone's performance across the street at Blue Cats (and by the fact that the band only announced this would be its final show at the last minute), but the band delivered a long set of favorites—"Crossdresser," "Spinning Circles," "Girl of Matches"—for those fans who did show up. The floor lights flashed, the guitars echoed, Rusty slouched across the stage like a big tall skinny cat, and Celestial Dung staked out a spot in front and danced through it all. It was just like old times, for the last time.

Local CD Review

The Rockwells
little symphonies for kids (Migrant)

They've dropped the '60s thing, and they're the worse for it.

The Rockwells last CD, Star Smile Strong, was a hit-or-miss affair, but it struck the bullseye when the Rockwells embraced their old school personas, from the harmonies and lyrics down to the saddle shoes. In little symphonies for kids, their latest effort, The Rockwells forget their nostalgia. What's left is a collection of mostly lackluster tunes set to mostly irritating lyrics.

SSS's brightest spots were also its darkest, those bitter, heartbroken moments reminiscent of the Beatles' angst on Rubber Soul. Some sinister woman must have broken these boys good, though, for here the anger gushes forth in unremitting torrents. The alarming part is, our heroes kick hardest when the woman's already in pain.

"Sorry I don't want to save you/ though you're looking so pathetic/ Leaking tears and burning red/ while clinging to my chest," they intone on the admittedly catchy opening song, "Harsh Words." The theme of crying girlfriends is disturbingly reinforced. "Nothing like looking up an old flame to help me forget your tears," they declare on "Not That Kind of Guy." On "Do You Want to Take a Ride?", The Rockwells implore, "Get away from me with your wounded eyes/ You're now very pretty when you cry." Ironically, they insist on "Satisfied," "I'm not the kind of guy who'd like to make you cry." I must say I disagree.

And when they're not rejoicing over others' tears, our narrators wallow in their own. That's quite a load for the melodies to carry, and they don't live up to the challenge. The first two tunes would be foot-tappingly catchy, but poor engineering makes them sound as if they're coming from the next room. Seemingly recognizing this initial misstep, the rest of the album runs right up to you and shouts in your ear. Brothers Fred and Jonathan Kelly sing with all the nasality of They Might Be Giants' John Linnell without the grabbing tunes or inventive lyrics. Sometimes, as in "Do You Want to Take a Ride?" sustained notes make that timbre unbearable. Mostly, though, the songs pass in one ear and out the other, not bothering to leave a souvenir.

The Rockwells will play Patrick Sullivan's on Friday, May 24. Opening for the band are The Superficials and The Jack Astronauts.

Go.

Thursday: Natti Love Joys at Market Square. Feel the reggae, mon.

Friday: Wild Blue Yonder at El Camino. Feel the 'grass.

Saturday: Oneida with Piedmont Charisma. Feel the NYC indie rock.

Sunday: Feel like a nap.

Monday: Lyra at St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Feel the Russian choral goodness.

Tuesday: Carl Sublett: A Life in Watercolor at Bennett Galleries. Feel the local art master.

Wednesday: Nanci Griffith at Tennessee Theatre. Feel the folkabilly. Plus, Griffith will be taping this show for an upcoming DVD release, and all of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Tennessee Theatre restoration fund.

—Emma "Feelin' Groovy" Poptart with Tamar Wilner and Matthew T. Everett