When it comes to avant-garde rock bands, there are usually two distinct routes: noisy cathartic (Sonic Youth, Dead C) and dissonant/drone-y ominous (Spiritualized, This Heat). Then there are the bands that go to a third extreme, exuding a smug "Gosh, aren't we just so zany and quirky?" attitude. Few bands seem to be willing to push the envelope with a sense of humor and a memorable melody. That's why the latest platter by Grampall Jookabox, Ropechain, is so gratifying — it sounds bracingly original yet oddly approachable. The medium of Indianapolis dwellers David "Moose" Adamson and Aimee Brown, Grampall Jookabox don't lend themselves to glib descriptive phrases. A crickets-at-night beat and played-backward mantra-like female choir sounding like Madagascar or Bollywood pop drives "Black Girls." "Let's Go Mad Together" is a send-up of Us vs. Them paranoia and synth-pop (with a killer old-style Black Sabbath riff), while "Strike Me Down" is hip-hop with T. Rex-style vocals for a spaghetti Western, complete with whistling and lonely twang. GJ possess a spirited sense of psychedelic wonder and possibility (with a smidgen of dub, too).
Find everything you're looking for in your city
Find the best happy hour deals in your city
Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%
Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city
