A History of Mr. Russia

By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 30, 2008 6:46PM

Mr. Russia is not from Russia, but you probably already guessed that. What they are from, though, is some sludgy pool that formed behind CBGB's in the late '70s, stagnated throughout the '80s, was hit by lighting in the '90s, thus creating some rudimentary lifeforms that picked up some instruments and learned to play them alongside each other at the latter end of our current decade. Mr. Russia is primitive in their pursuits, clanking out simple-minded punk rock tunes that keep running after '80s synth pop flavors only to have those sounds melt away just beyond their reach. Mr. Russia wear uniforms that are not uniforms. Their look matches their sound, or is it the other way around? Mr. Russia plays "roots rock," or they would if the term "roots rock" hadn't been appropriated by a bunch of banjo and fiiddle playing pansies when in fact "roots rock" should be used to describe rock and/or roll that yanks itself out of the ground whole and squealing like a drunkard chasing after its basest tendencies. Mr. Russia had the balls to give out their last EP as a cassette only release. Mr. Russia's forthcoming debut, Teething, is one of the sweatiest sides of rock and/or roll we've enjoyed in the recent past.

Mr. Russia is a damn good time.

Mr. Russia plays with The Venom Lords tonight at The Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western, 9 p.m., $7, 21+