Audio/visual mayhem this weekend at Rhinoceropolis
Photo by Brian Doyle
It'll be like this, but a lot louder
If you don’t know Colin Ward, who performs as solo electronic artist and schizophrenic madman Alphabets, you may wish to get acquainted—and this weekend offers a great opportunity to do so. Now 20 years old, Ward’s been recording himself and playing DIY houses since he was 14, clocking in with a stunning 26 albums (all available for download at the Alphabets Bandcamp site). Saturday, Feb. 12, Ward is performing alongside no less than five similarly challenging underground artists, including Voices Of, Mystic Bummer, greencarpetedstairs, Pythian Whispers, and Abbreviated Glossalia at Rhinoceropolis.
Before you head out, be warned: This is not a rock show, although there may be rock elements to be found. Instead, brace yourself for a crazy audio/visual onslaught that incorporates a series of projectors running at all times and constant, uninterrupted music flowing from performer to performer seamlessly. The idea is to combine the visual element with the music to make the two an inseparable experience.
“It’s going to be a waterfall of sound,” explains Voices Of’s Chris Westin. “This was partially Colin’s idea. He wanted to preview parts of his film Fantazia 2011. We’re also thinking about doing this annually. We just want to build up energy in the winter. It’s all local, and all of us have been talking. It’s a practice in teamwork and building a striving music community. When touring season is over, we can still entertain ourselves. This is a good event to get out of your element. It’s not a regular thing—wear costumes, bring cookies,” he says with a laugh. “We’re pushing the cookies. Bring them!”
The show begins at 9 p.m., and carries a $5 suggested donation. And don’t forget the cookies.
