Rating: NNN
The goofy goth/club child fashion sense and vacant-eyed posturing showcased in the Birthday Massacre’s promo shot is worrisome, since it’s hard to tell if there are any tongues planted in those oh-so-pale cheeks. Then, on track two of this guitar-laden electro-synth rock offering, vocalist Chibi announces, “We’re drowning in clichés,” and I figure there must be a sense of humour in there that makes lyrics like “claws in vain at closing doors” and “promises of yesterday” more palatable. Violet is harmless, mixing spookiness and bounce for a girly-pop NIN kind of feel. According to the cute Web site, they’re going for a multimedia, audiovisual concept, so perhaps the added element of visuals would enhance the experience. The Birthday Massacre raise hell at the 360 Saturday (July 31).
