X marks the spot

Xbxrx have a reputation for fun shows; and like opener Elephantoms they put on a physically vigorous performance. Their music has apparently changed over the years from a synth driven noisepunk style to their current, guitar-focused noise catharsis.

Guitarists Steve and Vice Cooler started the band up in Mobile, Ala. - now they're based in Oakland, Calif.



Purple duct tape ... what can't it do?



Running about! I can understand why Vice was limbering up before the show.



Brotherly action!



I can see the headline now: "Photographer squashed by Vice."



The drummer is MC; The bassist goes by WW, near as I can tell. They should sell bracelet with "WWWWD?" on them.



There's no crowd so small you can't surf on it.



Rhythm section action!



Vice Cooler rocks the much-abused Strat.



See that yellow conduit? That's the gas line. Run for your lives!





Big finish!



I picked up their new CD Wars and quite enjoy it. They make a hell of a racket but you can hear the song structure underneath the scree.

• Show reminder: Much Kelp-related action, starting with an in-store performance by The Acorn at Compact Music (the one downtown, near Bank and Gloucester) at 12:30; they also play with The Flaps, The Michael Parks, Agile Like This and Brockway Biggs at The Navy Club. Slackjaw Sinners, Entire Cities and Ennuie perform at The Gallery at Ecclesiax (just off Fifth Ave. in the Glebe, a block from Bank St.). Rock Plaza Central, Paper Airplanes and Books On Books play Zaphod Beeblebrox; Pawa Up First and My Dad vs Yours perform at the Black Sheep Inn. The Stills, The Besnard Lakes, Karkwa and Mahjor Bidet indie-rock the Capital Music Hall. Washboard Hank and The McGillicuddy Sisters perform at Irene's.