Magik Markers, with Lambsbread and Rusted Shut

The key to Magik Markers' success is geography. Hailing from Hartford, Connecticut, the trio calls to mind the current noise scene of nearby Providence, and the downtown scene of New York City, circa 1979, when no-wave artists like Arto Lindsay and Lydia Lunch were shattering all concepts of song structure with reckless abandon. Had guitarist-vocalist Elisa Ambrogio, guitarist Leah Quimby and drummer Pete Nolan formed the band in 2001 somewhere other than New England -- say, Omaha -- rocker/avant-garde aficionado/label owner/cool dude Thurston Moore probably wouldn't have gotten the chance to witness their fervent stage show or snag a copy of one of the group's self-recorded CD-Rs. Which means he wouldn't have pursued this band like a cat in heat, asking them to open up for Sonic Youth on a tour in 2004 and signing them to his Ecstatic Peace label. So we should all be thankful that the Magik Markers aren't from Omaha when they come to town this week.

Leader Ambrogio knows how to make her band's heavily distorted rock show a spectacle. While some might dash out of the room, cupping their ears with their hands, complaining about "all that goddamned noise," most will be fixated on this animalistic girl head-butting her detuned guitar, improvising lyrics, making primordial banter like a young Kim Gordon, squirming around on stage, clawing at the audience's feet and creating as much chaos in the music as on stage. Earplugs and protective clothing are strongly advised.