These New Puritans Play Chop Suey Tonight

These New Puritans hail from the UK, and despite having a strong album in Beat Pyramid, they've managed to avoid being burdened by the usual praise of the UK press, leaving Seattlest much more receptive to their post-punk wares when the CD finally reached our desk.

It seems these days every other band is post-something, so tossing those descriptions out the window, what makes These New Puritans stand out is the overwhelming urgency evident on Beat Pyramid. It's angsty and arty, but the recurring electronics and metronomic drumming bring a sense of order to songs that feel like they're either ready to descend into loud guitar squalls or fall apart completely. It's a meticulously organized chaos, and it's in the resultant tension that the magic happens.

As much as we like the album, we're actually hoping that tonight's show goes for a rawer, more lo-fi approach. Songs like "Swords of Truth" (below) seem like they'd be delivered best by a slightly drunk band to a more drunk audience. Either way, we'll be right up front.

(Note to openers White Gold - we bitched about your performance last time we saw you. Hopefully you'll be able to keep things professional even if you aren't playing to a full house this time around.)

These New Puritans play tonight (6/16/2008) at Chop Suey, 8pm doors, $12 adv., 21+. With Meho Plaza and White Gold.