The Dead Betties: Nightmare Sequence

The very fact that “art noise” and “punk” aren’t really thrown around as band descriptives so much these days should be enough to garner at least some initial curiosity about these guys. The natural comparisons to others before them like Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine will likely have a hand in attracting a few more listeners. Formed in Brooklyn in 2002, The Dead Betties’ early performances at venues such as CBGB’s earned the band a loyal following in New York City, just as their first EP and headlining gigs at shows including Homo A Go-Go and SXSW betweeen 2004 and 2006 earned them initial critical interest. Now signed to Warner Brothers’ digital imprint, Cordless Records, The Dead Betties offer their second full length LP. Vocal lines of lead singer/bassist Joshua Starr continues to interestingly waver on the line of androgyny, while the heavy drumming of Derek Pippin and guitarist Eric Shepherd alone could earn the band their “intense” reputation. The combination of all three is enough great “noise” to this art certainly. Since this is a digital-only release, you won’t find the album in your local record stores, but a download of album highlight track “Demoralizer” is a must.