MUSIC . Music Picks

Ghost Mice

Sun., March 9, 6 p.m., $5, with Erik Petersen, LAVA, 4134 Lancaster Ave., 215-387-6155, lavazone.org.


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Published: Mar 5, 2008

Rock/Folk/punk

In 2002, Chris Johnston (aka Chris Clavin) and Hannah Jones decided to ditch their respective punk bands and go acoustic. It wasn't as if they'd gotten burnt out on the scene or anything. On the contrary; they were itching to tour the country and make some noise, but those big amps and drum kits were just too much to carry. So armed with only a guitar and a violin, the two began to hitchhike and train hop their way around the country, playing under the moniker Ghost Mice. Since then, their newfound mobility and riotous brand of folk-punk have earned them an honorary place on the couch in punk houses from their hometown of Bloomington, Ind., all the way to Europe and back again. Their sound combines some of the best elements of punk and folk, blending joy and rebellion so seamlessly that you might begin to suspect they're the same thing. All of the energy of punk, combined with the melodiousness of folk, makes for a pretty stunning emotional range. Ghost Mice's songs jump from crushingly sad to uplifting and hopeful, without ever getting caught in a cynical middle ground. Most of their songs are anthems to the important things in life: love, family, travel, food, bikes and the redistribution of wealth. And in keeping with their anarchist ethic, Ghost Mice can, and will, play anywhere. That includes backyards, street corners and, if it rains, your living room — even if the electricity's out.

Sun., March 9, 6 p.m., $5, with Erik Petersen, LAVA, 4134 Lancaster Ave., 215-387-6155, lavazone.org.