Bellringer * Alien Knife Fight * Chasca

Rudyard’s presents BoBellringer * Alien Knife Fight * Chasca.

Bellringer (Austin, TX)
http://www.bellringeratx.com/
Bellringer is the live vehicle for the music and collaborations of Mark Deutrom, based out of Austin, Texas. Currently featuring Aaron Lack, Brian Ramirez, James Flores, and Monique Ortiz. Mark Deutrom, played with Clown Alley, Melvins, and SunnO))) and produced records for Neurosis, RKL, Raw Power, Melvins, and others.

Alien Knife Fight (Creedmoor, TX)
https://monique-ortiz-qsvj.squarespace.com/
Based in the small, dusty junction town of Creedmoor, Texas (population 202) the creative duo Known as Alien Knife Fight craft their sound at all hours in their big, old 1930’s era house/home studio, situated on 3.6 acres that they call Big Bottom Farm. Bassist/vocalist Monique Ortiz has been performing in duos for over 25 years mainly out of necessity. “I just couldn’t find that third instrument that was the right fit, so rather than be hindered by that, I try to fill out the sound in other ways.” Her first notable duo project, Bourbon Princess (1997), lead to over a decade of collaboration and with members of the band Morphine, which ultimately lead up to the formation of A.K.A.C.O.D., with Morphine saxophonist Dana Colley and Binary system drummer Larry Dersch.

In 2010 Monique moved from Boston to Austin, met multi-instrumentalist Michael Howard and started writing and recording music together. With Mike’s primal beats and Monique’s powerful vocals and growling 2-string slide bass and fretless bass playing, the two gradually shaped their sound into something sinister, sexy, soulful and groovy all at once.  Currently AKF are working on a new record with producer and former Melvins bassist Mark Deutrom. They plan on touring next spring, following the release of the new record. Monique also sings and plays bass in Mark’s live vehicle, Bellringer.

Chasca (San Marcos, TX)
http://www.chascamusic.com/
Laurie Gallardo, of Austin’s KUTX, summed it up quite nicely when she wrote:

“a distinctive, outrageous blend of rock, glam and cabaret fabulousness that would make Minnelli proud. Just kick up the rock ‘n’ roll theatrics and glam flair an extra notch. It’s as if Dr. Frank N. Furter possessed the show, hijacked the mothership, and hightailed it back to transsexual Transylvania with light speed fueled by T Rex, New York Dolls, and a dash of Queen‘s soul fire.”

Yes. That.