PITCH MAGAZINE
August 1997
Stinking Lizaveta at the Black Cat, July 8th '97
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I see that instrumental progressive rock is surfacing in the underground music scene more and more. Stinking Lizaveta is one of these bands. A trio consisting of guitar, drums, and upright-string bass, Lizaveta's sound is more hardcore than rock, although still progressive. I hear a little Fred Frith, Henry Cow, John Zorn and Naked City influences in their song writing and sound. If vocals were added, it would take away from the creativeness of their music. However, that's what makes it progressive.

Stinking Lizaveta plays music that makes you think. The set started and ended kinda mellow. At first, it sounded like the bassist and guitarist were still tuning up until the drums kicked in and carried a slow beat. After the first song everything else was heavy. Some of the songs like "Ultimate Asskicking," started out with every member doing their own thing, but after the introduction, everything tied together real tightly.

The guitarist, Yanni Papadopoulos, plays a lot of high-end guitar (almost ear piercing!). Yanni produces some weird guitar noises that sound organic and artificial at the same time. In between all the noises, riffs and fills he plays some catchy melodies that don't last long. Lizaveta has a way with dynamics which Yanni controls with sudden volume and energy spikes, occurring faster than you can blink your eye.

I must give props to Alexi Papadopoulos (bassist) for playing the string upright with a cast (he broke the bones attached to the ring finger of his right hand). He played with no problems, even though it looked uncomfortable as hell. His constant bass thythm in songs like "Refinery," "Wheaton," and "Father's Song" were mesmerizing - all songs are on last year's CD release "...hopelessness and shame." Cheshire Augusta (drummer) is the driving force of Stinking Lizaveta. She carries the low-end energy out to the crowd with her own creativity, plus intricate, off-timing cymbal and hi-hat work.

If you're interested in what progressive music is about, or if you already know what it is, Stinking Lizaveta is worth seeing. They play in the area often enough for you to check out a show. (They only live about four hours away in Philadelphia.) They've played with the likes of Fugazi a couple years back at the old 9:30 Club. (Unfortunately I showed up late for that show.) If you'd rather sit at home though you can find their CD ...hopelessness and shame at a local Tower Records near you.

Pitchmag@micro-neil.com By William Arthur