Friday, January 18, 2008

THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE"Walking With Strangers"Metropolis

WITH ITS GOTH-PUNK visuals, horror-flick name and industrial-rock passages, the Birthday Massacre is vaguely threatening. But listen to what happens on "Red Stars" from "Walking With Strangers": The song opens with a pounding, distorted fanfare, yet the tumult moderates every time singer Chibi starts to trill. This sextet (only three of whom perform in concert) never lets the racket obscure a catchy chorus.

Tattooed and black-maned, Chibi resembles '70s goth pioneer Siouxsie Sioux. At her breathiest, however, Chibi is closer to British singer Kate Bush, and she shares Bush's taste for juxtaposing lullaby melodies and grand flourishes. That strategy is familiar yet effective, especially when delivering such vows as "I promise you always/We'll make it out one day," which are clearly designed to be sung in unison by thousands of fans.

Essentially, the Birthday Massacre is an arena-rock band, and a pretty good one. Chibi and her cohorts may look like vampires, but they sound like kids in search of the perfect refrain to propel themselves out of the suburbs.

-- Mark Jenkins

Appearing Monday with Schoolyard Heroes and Creature Feature at the Black Cat (202-667-7960,http://www.blackcatdc.com). Show starts at 7:30.