Band names are rarely as apropos as Philadelphia trio Genghis Tron, a well-devised pun that merges two references to encompass the band’s sound and mindset: like the 1980s science-fiction classic “Tron,” the band exists within a tightly structured yet ultimately campy universe, devised with plodding, Moog-like synths; and like the eleventh-century Mongolian Emperor Genghis Khan, the music intends to mercilessly pillage your village (figuratively speaking). The band’s newest effort, “Board up the House,” builds up with ominous interludes of strictly manufactured drumbeats and sweeping electronic effects to its climaxes of mayhem: blazing bass-drum pulsations, piercing powerchord stabs and Mookie Singerman’s unintelligible yelps of terror. “I’ve got no way to fight this on my own, whatever ails me fades a stable soul,” Singerman menacingly intones before screaming something so brutal that the lyric could very well be “Let me bake you a cake” and it would still sound like the band was about to set your townhouse ablaze. (Andy Seifert)
October 18 at Beat Kitchen, 2100 West Belmont, (773)281-4444
Last Punks Standing: A Preview of Mekons at Hideout Mekons have endured by refusing to adhere to anyone's ideas regarding what is and isn't punk rock (which is in and of itself a defiantly punk attitude).
Still Breathtaking: A Preview of Sting at Ravinia Festival Sting's solo catalog boasts more than a dozen studio albums. He may not rack up the hit singles like he once did, but he remains a compelling writer, musician and performer.
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