Also this issue: Making the Connection Fingernail's Adam DiAngelo hooks Philly up with Sonic Circuits. -A.D. Amorosi Mould Spores Bob talks about raising his kids in the electronic age. -Chris Parker Sand People Calexico walks single-file to hide their numbers. -Paul Burress Like Clockwork -A.D. Amorosi Dave Brubeck -Nate Chinen Isis -Paul Burress Songs: Ohia -Paul Burress Rilo Kiley -Patrick Rapa

October 24-30, 2002

musicpicks

Snapcase/ Boy Sets Fire

Not so much forsaking their hardcore roots as giving them a deep conditioning rinse and some highlights, Snapcase is situating themselves as a noisier cousin of mid-period Fugazi. Following the path of their spiritual brethren in D.C., Snapcase's taut, agro throb has settled into a more modulated mid-tempo roar on their latest album, End Transmission (Victory), leavened by strong textural elements including the use of several piano intros/outros and the oscillating drone of distorted guitar. Which isn't to suggest they've abandoned the shouted vocals, rock 'em-stomp 'em rhythm and churning, scathing guitarscapes -- just that they've realized turning up to 11 sounds louder when immediately preceded by some 5. Like Snapcase, Boy Sets Fire shares a political bent and the mantle of one of the most interesting bands in progressive metal/hardcore. On 2000's After the Eulogy (Victory), BSF injected more melody into the playing, coming off at times like a jet-fueled Hüsker Dü with a bad hangover. An explosive pairing.

Fri., Oct. 25, 7 p.m., $10-$12, with Atreyu and Time in Malta, The Trocadero, 1003 Arch St., 215-922-LIVE.

—Chris Parker