Going by their name, you might not think that the John Bobbit Experience would be, well, a pleasant one, but judge not until you've had your own musical unit chopped off and subsequently re-attached. Bred like Uruk-Hai (Lord of the Rings orcs) in the viscous, membrane-covered hilltowns of (a post-War of the Worlds) Western Mass., this group of musical mutants blends looped beats and ambient electronica with live instrumentation, eclectic samples and thick, multi-layered group vocals. The overall effect falls somewhere between an early Beck album and a blend of '80s bands a la Bauhaus or My Bloody Valentine. Their stage show is reputedly a highlight of the Northampton scene, but be prepared to experience frighteningly hirsute moments like the one captured above.
The Cheaters Club is another half-live/half-electronic phenomenon, though their appeal is more of a serious one. The songs have harsh beats, a broad array of analog-sounding instruments/vintage synths, and a vocal coating of nicotine-stained depression. The musical approach is so visual that listening is more like paging through a Sandman graphic novel, hands shaking from a few too many Adderalls and strong, black A.A. coffee from a styrofoam cup. The evening is a dual CD release party, so bring a few extra bucks to pick up the CDs, JBE's We'd Rather Lay Down and Sleep than Burn Down the Winter and The Cheaters' QQROFL.
June 19, $2, 10 p.m., The Sierra Grille, 41 Strong Ave., Northampton, (413) 522-0113.
