Strange &the Familiars / Mister Ink (Seattle) / Black Mariah (MO)

MR. INK (of the Peculiar Pretzelmen) hails from Seattle with homemade instruments, story-driven music that is sometimes described as Voodoo Blues Death Stomp, and a piss poor attitude.

In reality, a Mister Ink show cannot be summed up with paltry words, and we’d gently advise you to TAKE OFF YOUR PAJAMA PANTS and come get a most sinister healing. No chubby be-winged Angel babies here. Just a very bright light, dragged through the mud and stranded in a hole to sing for his supper.

THE BLACK MARIAH’s on the other hand, have an equally bad attitude about the whole thing, but there’s two of them. They have been casting hexes on Kansas City and beyond, with their sexy-garage-rock for years. But it’s the twin sisters’ infection energy and angst-cool attitude of the live shows that draws listeners from all over. Don’t be fooled by their lyrical storytelling though. They are definitely luring you to throw yourselves against some very jagged rocks.

You may know STRANGE & THE FAMILIARS, if only from an entrancing Stephanie Strange solo set or possibly you’ve caught the full band experience you lucky dawg.

So you know how hard it is. You know we trudge through it with wildly vacillating attitudes and outlooks. Itching to be free from these claustrophobic skin suits all the while wonder-filled and struck silly with awe. We’re here with you for however long we get, and unwilling or unable to mince words for easier digestion.

With one foot planted in this world and the other in a dark and delightful world of imagination, Strange & the Familiars will transport you to a world that lurks behind the veil.

What else do you even need? Come make merry, though the timeline often is grotesque. Fortify thyself for the days ahead.