The first time I heard Stinking Lizaveta was at the Knitting Factory. I went to see John Zorn perform with Mike Patton and Ikue Mori, the combo that would eventually perform under the name Hemophiliac. After their show, I went down a flight of stairs to the other bar, when I heard a sound coming from the Alterknit Theatre. That sound was Stinking Lizaveta, an instrumental group comprised of electric guitar, drums, and upright bass. From that moment on, I have been a huge fan.

Based out of Philadelphia, I try to catch them every time they come to New York. I have never been disappointed with their performance. I find them truly inspiring. They combine a hard rock/heavy metal feel with a virtuosity that few possess. They were so loud that they could kill grass, and I appreciated every squeal, stomp, smash, hoot, and holler.

A surprise in the set was when Yanni asked the crowd, “Do you wanna’ hear some Hendrix?” I thought he was kidding, but they blazed through a vicious cover of Power of Soul. Absolutely incredible.

Cake Shop is a great venue. The upstairs is a coffee shop and record store. Downstairs are the bands and the bar.

Whatever city you may live in, try to see them when they come anywhere withing driving distance.

Additional Links:
Stinking Lizaveta on myspace
Hemophiliac on youtube