Band stirs up local scene

You would never know Death Becomes Even the Maiden was from Columbia by just listening to it.

They sound too progressive, too fresh, too neo punk rock to be from this SEC crazed, sprawling college town. Simply, Columbia, like much of the South, is known for either producing folk/Americana or power pop/alternative rock, but not this.

What sets the three pieces apart is they rely on song structures that are ready to fall apart at any moment yet quickly speed ahead averting disaster. This is delivered as powerfully loud as the music is tight, much in the style of Death From Above 1979 but sans synthesizers and with a guitar.

Songs like "Control" let guitarist Heyward Sims' talents flourish, whether he's screeching and ramming alongside Eric Greenwood's breakneck bass lines or leading the relentless pounding assault of Chris Powell's drumming. However, while their music is refreshingly innovative it is not the only reason to check them out as they can write, too.

Whether it's the simple repetition of the assertively deconstructive "Be it not so proud of me" on "At Panic," or "I know your only choice is anything you want to do" on "Changing Trains" the lyrical content is more than just a supplement to the music. The latter song earned them a semifinal spot in The International Songwriting Competition judged by a six member panel including Modest Mouse's Isaac Brock, Tom Waits and The Cure's Robert Smith.

The band will be releasing their five-song EP, The Arrangement, at The Whig this Saturday with Columbia's newest buzz worthy act Black Swan in support.

Black Swan is a piano driven, female vocally led four piece that has relied on its own blend of quality speed pop rock to quickly gain attention from Columbia's blossoming music scene.

Keyboardist/vocalist Courtney Vincent showcases an earnest vocal delivery and ranging melodies while her minor key structure produces a solid darkened pop sensibility. This lays an impressive groundwork for a creative rhythm section and for guitarist Reid Hardaway to fill out the songs in endearing vigorous crescendos.

While they formed in June and have only played three shows since, it shouldn't be surprising that the performances, while sparse, have been quality ones. After playing with the nationally known, Athens area, Elf Power at Art Bar and then slotting in the Free Times Music Crawl they now find themselves as half of what could be one of the best local shows of the year.

Things get kicked off at 11 p.m. Saturday night and entry costs five dollars which includes a copy of Death Becomes Even the Maiden's EP.