Audio By Carbonatix
Ladies and gentlemen, this local trio is floating in space. Its tripped-out sound is a rare, galactic union of Pavement-style power-chord grit, hooky postpunk, and cerebral, swirly shoegaze. Although the band formed in 2005, the members each boast a Miami rock pedigree. Vocalist/guitarist Ivan Marchena and drummer Ed Artigas previously played together as part of indie outfit Bling Bling. Despite its unfortunate name, that band performed regularly around town, and its two full-length albums garnered some critical kudos (including a couple of New Times “Best of Miami” appearances, in 2003 for Best Indie Band and in 2005 for Best Male Rock Vocals). Original Map of the Universe drummer Johnny Calderin split last year, but his replacement, Mike Allen, played bass for Nineties scenesters Secret Service and Nobuhjest. To celebrate the new lineup, the band released an EP, Curse in Reverse, this past September. It’s a four-song snack that channels everyone from Richard Hell to Kevin Shields to Thurston Moore, and still works — really works. We’re officially putting in a rush order for the debut LP.
