With a style that is at once a reflection of multiple echoes from the past, as well as a sound that is very ìdu jour,î Assassins came to New York last night with their sights set on seduction and their guitars set on stun. Sonically, the Chicago act rambled from nods to the layered production and rock & roll sensuality of Shirley Mansonís Garbage to brit-pop standards like Slowdive, Lush, and My Bloody Valentine. But unlike their brit influences, the lyricism and vocals were never overwhelmed by the arrangements and the melodic strain from their keyboardist constantly grounded them to their songwriting basics. And unlike their Butch Vig predecessorsí firm restraint, this five-piece proved their versatility most when they chose to let loose.

Their harder tracks, with staccato start and stop moments, brought out the best in the band and also proved their cohesion as a singular rock & roll unit. Professional, well timed and well oiled, the bandís performance belied their youth. With the earliest slot of a four-band showcase, Assassins, with their tight performance, top notch visuals and complex sound, proved that although they are at the beginning of their journey, theyíll definitely have a long road ahead of them.

Source: Miguel Banuelos

1. Live – Assassins/Ponys Blow Away Fans At Quicksilver/FADER Bash
2. Live:The Strokes (a.k.a. The Shitty Beatles) At The Mercury Lounge-1/18/02
3. Live – CommuniquÈ Showcase Stellar New Album At Release Party
4. Live – Even at 8:15 AM, The Darkness Rock Like It’s 1983
5. Live – Sahara Hotnights, Ikara Colt, And The Washdown Electrify The Bowery