LimeWire Music Blog

One of the more depressing stories in local rock of 2008 was the demise of Beat the Devil. On the precipice of seemingly impending hugeness – opening gigs with Vampire Weekend (ick), a fantastic LP about 98% finished, a stream of accolades in the press – the volatile trio abruptly, unapologetically imploded. From the still hot ashes, lead screamer / harmoniumist Shilpa Ray continues to get increasing notoriety – and deservedly so – with her new outfit Shilpa Ray and her Happy Hookers.

But rhythm sections are people too, and Beat the Devil’s (Mishka Shubaly on bass, Mitchell King on drums) have certainly landed on their feet. The twosome comprise one half of Ribs, a fun, butt-shaking and belligerent dude-rock all-star band fronted by Jason Frederick formerly of Ohio legends The Means. And no, you wouldn’t pick one band out of the line-up if the other mugged you, but like the late, lamented Beat the Devil, Ribs’ blast is both immediate and lasting. The solos will clear your sinuses; hilarious, twisted repeated phrases are all that’s needed in the lyrics
department; and you’re not likely to
hear a third part in any of their songs.

So, yeah, Ribs won’t be making the
indie-yuppie circuit anytime soon, but fans of the visceral thrills and engaging performances of the members’ previous works will be able to cut loose in distinctly non-CMJ ways. In fact, if you have a minute, Shubaly’s recent NYPress article, about the demented rigors of touring solo with comedian Doug Stanhope, should give you a good idea of the sort of musicians – and band – you are dealing with.

Ribs, who have yet to officially release anything, play a showcase regardless, tonight in the basement of the Charleston in Williamsburg, a venue that is very kind to party rock. Demos of 5 songs can be heard on their myspace page.