Review: Rangda at Church of Boston
Only two words can describe Rangda’s performance at Church of Boston on Wednesday: mind melt. This super-trio of guitarists Sir Richard Bishop (Sun City Girls), Ben Chasny (Six Organs of Admittance), and drummer Chris Corsano (Bjork; Jandek) have been gigging together since their 2010 EP release False Flag (Drag City), though this collaboration has been a long time coming.
Bishop and Chasny’s shredding guitar paired with Corsano’s improvisational drum licks make for one gnarly live performance. Eastern and western influences blend together via seamless transitions, leaving the audience bewitched. It only makes sense, as the group is named after a Balinese demon queen.
There is little ceremony on stage, making the performance feel more like an informal jam session, which just so happens to be between three very talented musicians. Highlights included “Bull Lore,” “Serrated Edges,” and an improvisational tribute to guitarist Eric Clapton.
Local psychedelic rock gurus, Major Stars opened for the trio, heating up the audience with hedonistic guitar riffs and killer vocals. The bill was rounded out by Fjords and Duck That!, making for one entrancing experience.