Three Stars: Karmella's Game
October is apparently the month of our discontent. After weeks of build-up about being excited to see Baltimore pop-punk outfit Karmella's Game play the Rock N Roll Hotel, the band sent a note the afternoon of the show saying that, due to circumstances beyond their control (including the headliner's broken-down van), the concert was cancelled.
I wept bitter tears. You would, too, if you'd only gotten one chance to see the band in all their harmonizing, rip-roaring, incredibly catchy glory, years ago at the Velvet Lounge, and you knew exactly what you'd be missing out on. And somehow, watching crap-quality clips of their performances on YouTube just doesn't cut it.
But! It's okay. I have Karmella's Game's latest LP, "The Art of Distraction," to, well, distract me until I can catch them live again. The album, for those who haven't heard it, is a polished and mature update on the relentless but often-messy and unrestrained synth-rock of their 2003 debut, "What He Doesn't Know Won't Hurt Him." Basically, if you're looking for a record that can soothe with gorgeous vocal harmonies while still totally tearing it up with high-energy synths and hooks, this is the ticket.
Photo by Flickr user miss krispah. Used with permission.
But though "The Art of Distraction" is fairly well-produced and disturbingly, addictively catchy, the only way to really appreciate their talent is to see them live, where their immense stage presence and sincere, high-energy performance really makes you fall in love with them. And want to take them home and adopt them and order them to constantly be writing songs for you. Or, er, something. So next time they check into the District, do yourself a favor and make sure you're there. We know you'll thank us.
Visit Them At: www.myspace.com/karmellasgame or karmellasgame.com
See Them Next: We're not sure, and neither are they - but they said that given their cancelled show at the Rock N Roll Hotel, that the venue would try to have them back soon. We'll make sure to highlight it in the Music Agenda as soon as we know.
Buy Their Album: Over on Myspace
Questions for Karmella's Game:
Tell me a bit of the history of how the band got together, and any changes you've undergone since your formation.
We started the band in 2002. In 2003, Mandy joined up with us, and up until Aaron moved from Tuscon last year to join, the guitarist position was constantly changing.
Who are your musical influences?
Our influences range from classical music to arena rock, and everything in between. People draw comparisons between us and bands such as The Rentals and the Sounds.
So who is "Karmella" and what's her game?
Karmella is Katie's cat. She sure loves to play with that yarn.
Has the city of Baltimore shaped your music, and if so, how?
Baltimore has a lot of venues allowing us to play for a wide variety of audiences.
Do you watch the critically-acclaimed show about Baltimore, "The Wire"? If you do, what's your opinion of it? If you don't, how can one of the best bands out of Baltimore not watch one of the best TV shows about Baltimore?
No, we are all poor musicians, who can't afford HBO. I've heard it's good though.
Maybe my impression of this is wrong, but it feels that like for being so close to D.C., you don't actually play here a lot. What's up with that?
We prefer to play at all ages shows, since a large percentage of our audience is under age. And it seems that every time an all ages venue opens up in DC, it ends up closing down.
Last time I saw you (admittedly years ago at the Velvet Lounge) you all put on Catholic student uniforms. What was the decision behind that, and do you still do it?
We thought it was a fun gimmick that made for a good live aesthetic. Also, it made us giggle. After 3 years of wearing the uniforms, it grew tiresome. Doing laundry on tour every night is not fun.
Future recording plans?
We have several new songs that we've been playing out live, but as of yet, have not made plans to go back into the studio. We did, however, just release a new 9 song LP "The Art Of Distraction" available at karmellasgame.com.
Is the band your guys' full time gig, or do you attend school/work/etc?
All of us work various part time jobs, (waiting tables, piano lessons, going to school, etc...) Eventually, it is our goal to be able to do this full time, though.
Can you name some bands from Baltimore and D.C. that you like?
All of us love Avec, Pash, Del Cielo, Jinxed at 12, Assassinate Caeser.
Oftentimes in the DCist comment threads, wars rage about D.C. vs. Baltimore - what's better, if Baltimore is really a part of the D.C. metropolitan area, etc (see here). Any thoughts or contributions to the "war," or do you think the two can co-exist peacefully?
If Baltimore and DC got in a fight, DC would be crying like a little baby. But seriously, DC and Baltimore are both awesome, and we like playing in both cities. There’s no need for musical rivalry between cities.