RECOMMENDED Bob Hansen and Dave Pezzner’s working-class sound stems from a not-so-classically trained upbringing on the West Coast rave scene. In combining quirky vocals, porous techno and classic four-by-four bass, the duo has transcended any lingering production triteness of coastal electronic scenes (San Francisco aside). The result is a fusion of industrial-spiked riffs, bulging key samples and an irreverence to the bloated electronic egos crowding the industry. With their startling style of remixing, the duo has recently released some of their most ear-turning work to date, including their sleazed-out “Whiz Kid” and the percussive throttle of “Beatbox.” As for the boys? Hansen fancies himself a graphic designer who says he prefers Amsterdam next to London; Pezzner has been known to blast that nice-guy smile in your face while adhering to the ideals of modern etiquette. Shake their hands, throw down the shots and prepare for a head-shredding set that barks much louder than the host. (Jenn Danko) Saturday, October 27 at Smart Bar
Solo Survivor: James Swanberg Navigates the Live Music Shutdown “The responsibility of having a drummer or a bassist would really stress me out,” says Swanberg. “My stress level compared to a traditional band, is a lot smaller, and I’m fortunate for that.”
