The Shondes

Sugar Town's Seventh Anniversary, Sat., Jan. 26, 9 p.m., $7, with the Santa Marias and Cynthia G. Mason, Tritone, 1508 South St., 215-545-0475, tritonebar.com.

by Mary Wilson

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Published: Jan 23, 2008

rock/pop

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Although their name is taken from the Yiddish word for "shame" or "disgrace," the Shondes are far from quiet about their political beliefs. On the contrary, this Brooklyn quartet blends elements of queercore, political punk and Jewish folk music into a melodious rock-affirmation that anyone would be proud to dance to. Sleater-Kinney comparisons are not out of order, as the band alternates between call-and-response harmonies and punchy guitar riffs, often accented by Elijah Oberman's plaintive violin. Coupled with grunge-inflected vocals by Oberman, Louisa Rachel Solomon (bass) and Temim Fruchter (drums), their songs move with ease between heart-wrenching laments and upbeat rock anthems.

The Shondes are currently celebrating the release of their debut album, The Red Sea, but they've already been around the block, touring with indie favorites Electrelane, Erase Errata, Joe Lally (Fugazi) and Lesbians on Ecstasy, plus many more. They may not give up their activist day jobs anytime soon, but it won't be for lack of popularity.

Sugar Town's Seventh Anniversary, Sat., Jan. 26, 9 p.m., $7, with the Santa Marias and Cynthia G. Mason, Tritone, 1508 South St., 215-545-0475, tritonebar.com.

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