The Providence Phoenix   Local Anesthesia     Post-Radar love - Chinese Stars prepare for international dominance                       Released: 02.27.04     Source: Providence Phoenix     Author: Bob Gulla     Original source link                 ON THE VERGE: Chinese Stars. It could have been one of those watershed shows. A band throwing down in their hometown on a roomy stage, exploding with energy and the kind of sound that would, under many circumstances, blow people’s minds. On this night, the crowd, assembled to see Yeah Yeah Yeahs should have been hip enough to understand what they were watching. After all, Karen O. and her boys play the sort of warped tuneage you’d expect an open-minded audience to appreciate. But when the Chinese Stars took the stage, with singer Eric Paul doing his patented epileptic two-step, they were met with awe and relative silence. In retrospect, even Karen O.’s hiccupy Toni Basil impersonation seemed mainstream in comparison. But the crowd, predisposed to edgy rock or not, had no idea what to think. Of course, fans of the band, and there were many on hand, knew how cool it was. The Chinese Stars rocked the house. And the new Lupo’s at the Strand is one big house. Playing a handful of tracks from their EP and, perhaps, one or two from their upcoming project, Paul, bassist Rick Pelletier, drummer Craig Kureck, and guitarist Paul Vieira conjured up many ghosts from great bands of Providence past in the process: Six Finger Satellite, Von Ryan’s Express, Arab On Radar. Wider still, they dug up the corpses of international marauders like Gang of Four and Wire. OK, so maybe it was too abstract for a gang gathered to see a much-hyped band on a major label, but the fact is it was entertaining enough to have a slew of people dancing their buttocks off. One of the great things about the band’s too-short opening set was that they obviously didn’t give much of a shit about what people watching them thought. They served up their sound as if to say, "Kiss off. This is what we do. If you don’t like it, go and get yourself another drink." Paul’s kinetic spasms at first seemed awkward, but his convulsions were perfectly synchronized to the Stars’ jerky rhythms. And speaking of rhythms, Kureck and Pelletier (himself a former drummer) acquitted themselves radically, kicking into deep, soulful tempos that never relented, one rhythm more sublime than the next, as they shifted gears up and down, often within the same song. Vieira proves to be the ace up the Stars’ sleeve as he churns out squeaky, hyper-squealing riffs and scrubs that sounded more like odd malfunctions in an automobile assembly line than anything you’d hear coming from a guitar. With his help, and the practiced teamwork of an accomplished band, the Stars squeezed out the kind of shit you won’t hear anywhere else. This is why they could be the city’s next big thing. Could? Maybe "will" is the word. "We got the gig because we’ve known Yeah Yeah Yeahs for four or five years now," Eric said after the show. "They opened for us way back when, before they blew up." He smiled at how quickly the music business can turn ironic. One would think that the band’s over-the-top antics and freakazoid sound would make them a natural for New York City, and Eric confirmed it. "We’ve spent a lot of time in New York," he says. "The Village Voice, Blender, and Rolling Stone have all expressed interest, and we end up doing pretty well there." New York’s not the only metropolis that has expressed an interest in the Stars. Since forming last year from the lamented ashes of Arab On Radar, the band has already saddled up and headed to Europe. "The last time we played Europe we sold out three-quarters of our shows just by calling ourselves ‘ex-members of Arab on Radar." They hit France, Belgium, and Italy hard and with lots of success. "We sold out a place in Paris with just the EP in place, so we were pretty happy," Eric noted. The Stars will fill that recording void with a full-length disc this spring on 31G Records, home of the Locust, the Blood Brothers, and Moving Unit. With quality company like that, it’s a perfect fit for the band. "Justin Pearson at the label has a lot of respect from bigger labels," Eric said, "and they rely on him for developing bands." Eric and the Stars have also entered talks with a few majors, though nothing serious. Yet. For now, the band is content to beaver away, recording and touring. They have a full US tour and a trip back to Europe planned for the not-so-distant future, hoping to lurch their way back into the hearts and minds of international audiences, like Six Finger Satellite and Arab On Radar did not so long ago. Hopefully, like those other bands, they’ll make all of us immensely proud. TOO-CLOSECALL. Early on Monday, February 16, Randy Hien, the esteemed proprietor of the Living Room, had a visit from the Devil. This time Satan was disguised as a guy in an expensive SUV driving the wrong way on an exit ramp off Route 10. Randy got rammed head-on by the SUV, which was going an estimated 70 mph, piloted by a driver who allegedly failed a "chemical test." He was also slammed by the car behind him. He was unconscious until Thursday (the 19th). "He’s been doing a lot better every day," says his son Charlie, who’s running the club while his dad concentrates on recovery. "He’s cracking jokes again, which makes us all feel better." According to Charlie, Randy’s list of injuries is staggering. He broke bones in his legs, ankles, and feet, and he has a broken clavicle, nose, pelvis, and ribs, not to mention the muscle and ligament damage. Charlie says he may be in the hospital for a month, then will likely be in rehab for months after that, either living in a center or commuting, depending on how quickly he gets back on his feet. But by the sound of his injuries, it’s a miracle the prognosis includes him getting back on his feet at all. "There’s no defense for this guy," says Charlie, referring to the perp. "He has no answers. There’s nothing he can say." What we can all say to Randy is, speedy recovery, sport, our thoughts and prayers are with you. WANDERING EYE. Tomorrow’s News, a trio of talented dudes from around Kingston with an EP out, play the Rocky Point Pub on Thursday (the 26th). They do all original acoustic rock tunes, with a positive vibe and refreshing energy. It even sounds good on their website: www.tomorrowsnewsmusic.com. On Saturday (the 28th), a couple of local folk legends play. Unfortunately it’s not together. Bill Petterson returns to the so-fine, renovated Blackstone River Theatre in Cumberland for an evening of intimate acoustic roots and Americana tunes. Kerri Powers shares the bill. For ticket/reservation info, call the Theatre at 725-9272 or go to www.riverfolk.org. The music begins at 8 p.m. Not too far away at Stone Soup, acoustic stylist J.P. Jones will be captivating an audience of his own. Jones, who has released nine discs since the ’70s, has been compared to Greg Brown and Dylan for his unique approach to the folk idiom. He’ll be playing the Soup with his band, Rite Tite. The concert will be at the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket Arts Center (210 Main Street, Pawtucket). Tickets are $10. Call 457-7147.                     other items in this group     Local Anesthesia 05.27.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       ’Round town - Westside ARTS, RISA’s men, Radio Kings, and more     Local Anesthesia 05.20.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       A better Day - Jackie O’Brien and company’s Waving in Traffic     Local Anesthesia 05.13.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Swan song - A Westerly institution gets unplugged     Local Anesthesia 05.06.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       New noise - Suicide Liquors, the StereoBirds, and the Gobshites     Local Anesthesia 04.29.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       New tricks (and treats) - The Dino Club’s Oscar-worthy Big Screen Wide     Local Anesthesia 04.22.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       A wealth of talent - Mark Renburke calls on the best for his new disc     Local Anesthesia 03.18.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Around the world - Jo Jo Gator comes home again     Local Anesthesia 03.11.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Fringe benefits - Urdog, the Slip, Fred Kendall Abong, and more     Local Anesthesia 03.04.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Blood simple - Wretched Asylum paint the town red in Prognosis     Local Anesthesia 02.25.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Battle royale - Sasquatch takes the top prize at the Rock Hunt     Local Anesthesia 02.18.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Taking lessons - The second anniversary of the Station fire     Local Anesthesia 02.11.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Rattlin’ all over - RattleHead Records gears up for ’05     Local Anesthesia 02.04.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Lovin’ it live - Richard Thompson, Anders Parker, more     Local Anesthesia 01.28.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Restless records - Grüvis Malt master the art of multitasking     Local Anesthesia 01.21.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Still standing - Roomful of Blues celebrate a new disc — and survival     Local Anesthesia 01.14.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Short stuff - Big sounds in little packages     Local Anesthesia 01.07.05 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Good acoustics - The best jazz, blues, and folk of ’04     Local Anesthesia 12.31.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Best in show - The top rock, etc. listens in ’04     Local Anesthesia 12.24.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Success story - The big time doesn’t elude the Slip     Local Anesthesia 12.17.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Everyday people - Routine 8’s debut is more than a daily grind     Local Anesthesia 12.10.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Ready for Bedtime - Rebecca Nurse deliver some sweet Stories     Local Anesthesia 12.03.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Funk soul brothers - Fungus Amungus puts the fun back in funky     Local Anesthesia 11.26.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The genuine article - Stefan Couture and company keep it real on Ghost     Local Anesthesia 11.19.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Acoustic café - Stone Soup keeps the folk talent coming     Local Anesthesia 11.12.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       On the verge - M-80 are ready for their close-up with the release of American Road     Local Anesthesia 11.05.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Staying positive - You can learn a lot about living from Randy Hien     Local Anesthesia 10.29.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Getting busy - Becky Chace and Blues Bastard     Local Anesthesia 10.22.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Velver revolving - Menck and Chastain make another great disc     Local Anesthesia 10.15.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Shipping out - Mastamindz’s Matt Moreau is headed to Iraq     Local Anesthesia 10.01.04 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Miracle men - Greg Hodde’s deep blues; 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Stone sings about the Station fire in "Eddie"     Local Anesthesia 12.12.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Reflections -- D.J. Stone sings about the Station fire in "Eddie"     Local Anesthesia 12.06.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Grand evolution -- Erin McKeown’s songs get ‘bigger and better’     Local Anesthesia 11.28.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Howlin’ wolves -- Smokestack Lightnin’ brings down the house     Local Anesthesia 11.28.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The full Monty -- The Fan Club flirts with the big time     Local Anesthesia 11.21.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       One night only! -- Neutral Nation celebrate 20 years and a new disc     Local Anesthesia 11.14.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Wheat dreams -- Taunton-based crew goes Technicolor     Local Anesthesia 11.07.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The long haul -- Al Copley is in too deep, and likes it that way     Local Anesthesia 10.31.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Ace of clubs? -- Ultra arrives; the Electra Complex; and more     Local Anesthesia 10.17.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Seeking the truth -- Davies and Auchenbach conspire on a new disc     Rhode Island's most influential people in the Arts community 10.11.03 by Phoenix Staff (Providence Phoenix)       The Phoenix profiles Rhode Island's most influential people in the Arts community.     Local Anesthesia 10.10.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Blowin Smoke -- Greg Abate and Channel One tear it up again     Local Anesthesia 10.03.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Cosmic Psychos -- Sasquatch and the Sick-a-Billys get a groove on     Local Anesthesia 09.26.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Knight Moves -- Margie Wienk celebrates a haunting new disc     Local Anesthesia 09.19.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       April Fooled -- An Unsigned Band; plus, Pendragon turns 20     Local Anesthesia 09.12.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The 300 Shows -- Midnight Creeps celebrate a milestone     Local Anesthesia 09.05.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Floodstock -- The welcome return of Summerfest     Local Anesthesia 08.29.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Summer’s not over -- Rhythm & Roots tops a busy Labor Day weekend     Local Anesthesia 08.22.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Go, Cat, Go! -- Rockabilly picks up steam on the scene     Local Anesthesia 08.15.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Just for fun -- Cracking wise with Katie Lee Hooker     Local Anesthesia 08.08.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Have Mercy! The return of Mike Dinallo and company     Local Anesthesia 08.01.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Lotsa Hats, Big Shoes -- Eric Fontana Finally Gets His Disc Out     Local Anesthesia 07.18.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Straw Dogs -- The Haymakers' Why We Can’t Have Nice Things     Local Anesthesia 07.18.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Sound Defects -- Blues Bastard And Other Awesome Aberrations     Local Anesthesia 07.11.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       Growing Painz -- Mastamindz Hatch Fiendish Plot     Local Anesthesia 07.04.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: The Best Goes On -- Music Pollapalooza comes to the Ocean Mist     Local Anesthesia 06.27.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Break out -- Letdown, Chinese Stars, Fuses rev it up     Local Anesthesia 06.13.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Answering the call -- The healing power of the Call for Action DVD     Local Anesthesia 06.06.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's Esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Newport news -- No Means Yes and the Philtres make headlines     Local Anesthesia 05.30.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's Esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Freakin’ out -- Mike Hamel and company head west     Local Anesthesia 05.23.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's Esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Demo derby -- Emery Vesch, Sibling Rivalry, and Flav Martin     Local Anesthesia 05.16.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's Esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Soundcheck -- Donnybrook, the Cringe, Illustrious Day, and more     Local Anesthesia 05.09.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's Esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Arabs off radar -- The avant act calls it quits; plus, an Invasion update     Local Anesthesia 05.02.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's Esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Healing sounds -- The Call’s energetic and heartfelt benefit CD     Local Anesthesia 04.18.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's Esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Musing again -- A winning Throwback, Benny Sizzler, and more     Local Anesthesia 02.27.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Hole in our soul -- The music community's devastating loss     Local Anesthesia 02.20.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week:     Local Anesthesia 02.13.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Wonderful world -- Cheryl Wheeler loves her job; plus, V for Vendetta     Local Anesthesia 02.07.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Story hour -- Dan Moretti and Once Through lay it down     Local Anesthesia 01.31.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Love you live -- Planet Groove lays it down at the Ocean Mist     Local Anesthesia 01.24.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Consolation prize -- Ricky Valente grows up     Local Anesthesia 01.17.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Whistle stop -- Otis Read, Phil Edmonds, and Friends     Local Anesthesia 01.10.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week: Lights, camera... Century Productions is where the action is     Local Anesthesia 01.03.03 by Bob Gulla (Providence Phoenix)       The Providence Phoenix's esteemed Bob Gulla with his weekly music scene coverage. This week:The big picture -- Best in show, pt. 2               Filed Under...   becky chace band (36) beyond blonde (183) black and white (12) CD Reviews (4) complaints (2) Crazed Rock Fan (3) Dirk Diggla (6) Decibel Magazine (12) ellis ashbrook (13) grandevolution (15) hawkins rise (102) Headlines (85) jazz bastards (4) J Hunter (1) frank martyn (24) mastamindz (27) owen mcgonigle (4) Misc. Items (2) Opinions (10) Pele (5) The Providence Phoenix (115) the radionics (9) RattleHead News (8) (2) rossoni (1) santa mamba (41) sasquatch and the sick-a-billys (121) sexcoffee (16) Satyr's Local Rock Report (23) Spock's Brain (3) terri g and the band (2) ultra plush (17) vulgarrity (2)             The Providence Phoenix is the God of local music in the area. Bob Gulla is an excellent music reporter, and they provide the only weekly local music coverage that is accessible to the masses.