Music » Concerts/Events

Japanther, 1991, Slaves

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Critic's Pick

What does it mean for the state of punk rock when you feel like you could beat up a truly great punk band with one hand tied behind your back? That certainly wasn’t the case with the MC5 or Black Flag or even Japanther’s local kin, Pink and Brown. (Maybe it was true of the Clash a little bit.) Yet there is Japanther: two skinny, arty boys from Brooklyn kicking out fuzz-covered, awesomely stupid, Casio-enabled punk that would be almost twee if it weren’t so loud and obnoxious. That goes double for lamely titled tracks like “Um Like Your Smile Is Totally Ruling Me” or “Fuk tha Prince a Pull Iz Dum.” But again, those tracks happen to be some of the most assertive, melodic and downright head-banging punk tunes to come out of New York in years. (with 1991, Slaves; 9 p.m. at Stardust Video & Coffee; $5; 407-623-3393; www.stardustrules.com) (Staff)