THE MOLECULES, ETERNAL TAPESTRY, I RETARD

(Towne Lounge, 714 SW 20th Pl) Chemistry 101 teaches us that molecules are formed by atoms bonding together. In Ron Anderson's universe, however, the atoms aren't nearly as agreeable—bumping and spinning off each other with unpredictable results. Anderson formed the first version of San Francisco's Molecules in 1990. The missing link between DNA and the Flying Luttenbachers, Molecules' caustic free-rock is like running through a musical minefield, each step likely to set off flurries of shrapnel or a chain reaction of rhythmic blowups. The band has laid dormant for 10 years, skipping out on the no-wave revival that would have cemented their well-deserved legacy. More power to them though, as this brand of kinetic skronk is infinitely more potent in the flesh than as a side-note in some brainy journalist's no-wave retrospective. JOSH BLANCHARD

http://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/Content?oid=110778&category=22187