Jucifer

Ed Livengood and Amber Valentine have concocted a complex and intoxicating mixture. Together, as Jucifer, they send dreamy, melodic beauty into one ear while simultaneously causing permanent hearing loss in the other.

Like many artists nurtured by alternative music mecca Athens, GA, their sound is highly original. But in the inevitable need to call out comparisons, let's run through some insultingly lazy references: It's hard to watch and hear Amber and not think of Kim Gordon, Buzz Osborne, Kim Deal and Pete Townshend…unnervingly rolled into one. And witnessing Ed mercilessly attack his kit conjures up thoughts of Keith Moon.... and Animal from the Muppets.

Their sound? Some lessons we've learned from Royal Trux and the Melvins (with both of whom Jucifer has shared a bill), Sonic Youth, Neil Young, Black Sabbath, Radiohead, Ministry, Portishead, Nirvana, the Breeders, and as Michael Stipe described in Details Magazine, "a very loud and aggressive southern gothic version of P.J. Harvey."

Jucifer's live show rests on a chemistry rarely seen on stage. It is a combination of intense energy, stadium-sized guitar sound, thunderous drums, and vocals torn between angelic harmonies and demonic assault. High volume and maniacal energy are the hallmarks of their performance. Ed's crushing wizardry of the drums and seemingly possessed delivery combined with Amber's sonic attack, whispery vocals and fetching sex appeal are a welcome and refreshing addition to the live music scene. Blindfolded, you'd never believe there are only two culprits behind the assault. Once you've accepted the fact, you'll understand why they have eschewed the idea of expanding their lineup.

Beyond their live show, Jucifer's releases are truly must-haves in any musical adventurist's collection. Their love of music and experimentation has led them to enhance their recordings with violin, cello, horns, organ, piano, record-scratching, feedback, and anything else that feels right... always layered over addictive melodies, thick guitar, and relentless drumming.Calling