Don't let the fact that Halloween falls on a Wednesday night deter you from going out and painting the town (blood) red. Groan. Okay, we know that was bad, but really -- Wednesday night in greater Phoenix promises sonic thrills out of the ordinary. Read on for our favorite picks, including some stellar DJs, returning post-punk queens, and the most haunting church service you'll hear all year.
Wednesday, October 31: Earth @ Rhythm Room
The music of Earth, the Washington-based, ever-rotating collective led by guitarist Dylan Carlson and Adrienne Davies, couldn't be better suited for some gothic western flick, black and white and heavy on existential dread. In other words, it's good spooky music, but don't coming looking for traditional frights and John Carpenter-aping synths -- expect reverberating, dusty southwestern soundscapes. Earth may visit the Rhythm Room on Halloween, but this sort of reverent music is more inline with the spiritual holidays of Dias Los Muertos and All Souls' Day.
Wednesday, October 31: Paid in Full @ The Monarch Theatre
The hepcats of Paid in Full will welcome two-time DMC winner DJ Klever for a Halloween night edition of the dance night. As always, resident DJs Fresh 85, M2, Mane One, Bigie, & Tricky T will be on the wheels of steel. Lalo Cota will be doing live art and Prince$$ (a.k.a. Thomy Hoefer) will provide the visuals.
Wednesday, October 31: Treasure Mammal, Peachcake, Hug of War, and Fatigo @ Yucca Tap Room
The average Treasure Mammal show typically features costumed musical chaos as Abelardo Gil III and the other members of the local synth-pop act don spandex outfits and other freak wear. In other words, they're the perfect act to catch on All Hallows Eve. Equally colorful (and costume-inclined) popsters of Peachcake, Hug of War, and Fatigo will also perform. 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 31: The Fright Fiesta! featuring North Dakota, DJ Boris Bon Bon, and DJ Kat Scratch Fever @ Bikini Lounge
DJ Boris Bon Bon doesn't mince words when describing his Halloween shin-dig at Bikini Lounge. "I'll be playing tasty tunes that are very fitting to the holiday and something that's gonna make them hips shake and those feet stomp like there is no tomorrow," the DJ says. It addition the bones rockin' sounds of DJ Kate Scratch Fever, the show also features a performance from post punk trio North Dakota.
Wednesday, October 31: Otoacoustic Emissions at St. Augustine's Church in Tempe
Sure, you might think that dubstep remix of some kinky witchhouse record is scary and experimental, but you're going to have a hard time finding a more sonically adventurous night than the annual Otoacoustic Emissions service at St. Augustine's Church in Tempe. Inspired by the droning sounds of composers like Lamonte Young, organizer Jacob Adler encourages all to join in, and the resulting soundscape is swelling and powerful, not unlike that "sweat lodge of sound" The Swans are always going on about. Read about last year's event. The performance begins at 9p.m. at St. Augustine's Church, 1735 S. College Ave, Tempe (NE corner of College/Broadway).
