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Crazy Cabaret Punks
Posted by dirty from Cardiff - Published on 02/09/2009 at 00:00
- Tagged as Art, Music
Lyrics are laced with art references to the Vienna Secession, the Weimar Republic and Dante Alighieri. There's a serious lack of spiked hair and crusty clothing, and left at the door is the three chord mantra along with stereotypes.
Although with a guitar and a bass, a drum kit and all of the standard band build up, these (well dressed) guys and girls come equipped with bells, an accordion, orchestra bells, horns, a piano. . . this is only a fraction of what they play with. Some call it circus punk, some call it the new sound, some love it, some hate it, some call it the worst sh*t they've ever heard (my best friend can personally vouch for this). The World/Inferno Friendship Society definitely divide opinions. . .
A cabaret punk band from New York, it's easy to think with their location they'd be part of the New York hardcore (read: idiot hard man) scene, but thank god they're not. The musical alumni of the Friendship Society (often referred to as World/Inferno or just the Society) has had over thirty members with prominent musicians from 80s superstar band Dexys Midnight Runners. They play loud when they play, hosting a Halloween gig every 31st of October in New York affectionately known as 'Hallowmas', fans flying around from all over the world to see this event. Fans are always encouraged to come in their best ensemble (the band themselves wear suits and dresses), fire breathers from the local circus troupe make an appearance, a ghostly-looking string quartet and an ominous black and white cat hangs over the venue, witnessing this one-year special. At the end of the night, a marching band marches up and down the stage while the band plays their last song.
Their drummer, Brian Vigilione, is also a drummer/percussionist for the cabaret-punk band (now an underground sensation for many young people) the Dresden Dolls. Their sound is highly similar, but larger. The Dresden Dolls are a two piece, more leaning to punk and minimalistic tendencies as opposed to World/Inferno whose band often runs to over ten people, a big band sound with a carnivalesque leaning; they don't do things by half.
Punk is as punk does, isn't it? They play upbeat dance numbers, sounding like something more accustomed to Broadway than the small punk clubs they play but have their heart and music firmly based in punk.
Singer and songwriter Jack Terricloth is perhaps the most charismatic, witty and humorous frontman there is in the underground right now. Adding his own political monologues to the songs has gained him quite a friendly reputation. As the lead singer of the World/Inferno, he advocates lying, travelling, drinking, always looking one's best, getting in fights, running away from mobs. . .and of course, falling in love wherever and whenever possible. In addition, he runs a 'What Would Jack Do' column on the band's website, seldom updated but always chuckle-worthy.
An impressive back catalogue have led the World/Inferno to be one of the most loved and hated bands out there, but they certainly add a dash of colour and class to a scene that's needed a glamorous kick to it for years.
For newbies, I'd recommend setting out onto their Myspace profile to hear some of their more popular songs, my favourites on their profile are 'Fiend in Wien' and 'Only Anarchists Are Pretty'. From there, go out and listen to Red-Eyed Soul, it's available on Spotify.
World/Inferno are constantly touring, sometimes in Europe. . .check their myspace for more info. If you manage to see them on tour, remember to get your best clothes out!
I'll see you waltzing on the dancefloor.
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1 Comment – Post a comment
CLICdan
Commented 32 months ago - 9th September 2009 - 14:34pm
Damn you, Yasmin. Not only do you kick my ass when it comes to obscure musical knowledge, but I now have 'Only Anarchists Are Pretty' stuck in my head!
As this feature illustrates, this is one fantastic and memorable band. I'd suggest everyone check out their music.