Peculiar Love by Wire Graffiti


 Rock that takes the corporation out of pop, the samples out of techno, the make-up out of metal, the lilith out of folk, and the piercings out of punk.

Musicians Katherine Sawyer and Stev Ohanis formed Wire Graffiti in the late '90's. With musical influences as diverse as PJ Harvey, Primus, Radiohead, and The Pixies, Wire Graffiti manages to dive deep into sound experimentation and obliterate the habitual expectations one might have regarding any local band. Strong and well versed in their musical craft Wire Graffiti leaves you reeling in a world of bombastic guitars, vocals and rhythm. Seeing them live is a dance with adrenaline as their enthusiasm and love for their music is instantly infectious. In early 2003 Peculiar Love was released, their third CD. What follows is a review of some of the gems found on this extraordinary effort.

Vocalist and guitarist Katherine Sawyer's ethereal and hexed vocals remind me of Peter Murphy's when he was in Bauhaus. Especially during the opening track El Politico where the sparse instrumentation that dominates the first half of the song resembles Bauhaus' Bela Lugosi's Dead. Gradually, disjointed horns and keyboards join the mix giving the song an entirely different New Orleans kind of vibe. Check out what Wire Graffiti looks and sounds like from their website, Wire Graffiti, go to "sounds" and download the video for El Politico.

Roses to Snakes spirals from spoken word to anxious vocals splattered with barely audible screams and then back again…day becomes day becomes day becomes day. The lead guitar work by Stev Ohanis (guitar, percussion, synth,) is impressive here. Tim Sanchez (bass) and Rob Tucker (percussion) hold down the rhythm section with zeal and dedication.

Mercury oozes eclectic and haunting melodies that transcend the common and boring song arrangement in so many of today's top ten offerings. Katherine's sweet vocal ricochets hypnotically throughout the structure of heavy guitar, driving bass and steadfast drumming.

Scavengers is an agitated, true to punk progressive accomplishment that has Katherine giving a sly laugh at the end of it. The song is furiously paced in its catchy fun.

Peculiar Love has eleven original songs penned by various combinations of the members of Wire Graffiti. A superb mix of a variety of styles of music that never waivers from showcasing the stunning vocals of Sawyer and the expert musicianship of Ohanis, Sanchez and Tucker.

We asked Wire Graffiti:

Why should music lovers come out to see you play live?
So they don't get sucked into the Bush administration's rampant takeover of the airwaves, ie; Clear Channel. Decide for yourself if you like the music, don't let them tell you what to listen to or how to think. This is not about the flavor of the month. This is reality...support real musicians in every nook and cranny.

What are your top 3 venues to play in the Bay Area and why?
The Pound Sf Great sound, great lights, great hamburgers and always all ages.
The Stork Club The Stork Club. The best dive bar in Oakland for seeing the widest variety of acts on one bill imaginable...the sound system sucks but the staff is cool and the streets outside keep you real.
The Edge in Palo Alto. Great sound people, pro staff.

Review by: Cecilia Pópulus-Eudave