JAPANTHER at Wrongbar. Fri, June 19. nxne.com Rating: NNNN
The problem with punk-inspired bands who use electronics is that the sleekness of laptops and synths rubs up awkwardly with the raw DIY spirit of the culture. Solution: put the backing tracks on cassette tapes, wire an old ghettoblaster into a decrepit wall of battered and graffitied guitar amps, and scream into old telephone receivers instead of mics.
For two guys and a tape deck, they sure make a hell of a racket. Artsy enough to take seriously, but aggressive enough to provoke crowd surfing and slam dancing.