Spawned out of a Radiohead tribute show two years ago, after winning over the audience with a version of “2 Plus 2 Equals 5,” The Guild of Calamitous Intent was born. Vivid emotion pushes the structure. Intense drum parts creep in to bang-bang-shake things up, and then the mood settles into rich guitar riffs. Both energetic and reflective, the sound is anchored by careful though unexpected repetition. The songs are long, around seven minutes each, but the multiple crescendos maintain a high suspense level.
Guitarist Rob Clark says, “It’s probably the best band live musical experience I’ve ever been a part of. I just like to keep an open mind with where we’re going. It seems to take its way naturally with these guys.”
The Guild’s vocals are catchy with a dark side, as in The Cure, and lead singer Sean Garner scores on Radiohead-style falsettos before moving into growly-screaming land. Or he tones it down. He’s all over the place, punching out feeling.
The Guild of Calamitous Intent plays Saturday at the ’90s tribute/American Cancer Society benefit show at Mainstay Rock Bar downtown.
Read C.A. MacConnell's full interview with the band and get show and club details here.
