Introducing: Quix*o*tic
What do you get when you combine a former member of the all-female punk trio and now sadly defected, Slant 6 and a former member of both Orthrelm and Octis? The answer is simple: Quix*o*tic. Possibly one of Washington DC's best kept secret, now that Bill Clinton is out of office, together since 1997, Quix*o*tic combines the street smarts of Slant 6, with a moody, dare I say goth-esqe vibe. Vocalist/guitarist, Christina Billotte, who besides being a former card carrying member of Slant 6, also was a member of pre-Helium, Autoclave, with Ms. Mary Timony, and a brief stint in riot-grrrl elite, Bratmobile, lets go of the in your face, garage-punk buzz, of Slant 6. Recruiting her sister, Mira Billotte, on drums and Mick Barr (Orthrelm/Octis), who replaced former bassist, Brendan Majewski, Christina and cohorts take an introspective, fundamental, and somewhat bluesy twist on rock music today.
Some reviewers of Quix*o*tic's sophomore album, "Mortal Mirror," have described Christina's vocals as, "a cross between Mary Timony and an old Black blues singer." And rightfully so, Quix*o*tic, now signed to west coast famed, Kill Rock Stars, released "Mortal Mirror," (complete with their ladylike cover of Black Sabbath's "Lord of this World.") this past July, and have been on a cross country tour since, sharing their almost womb-like and intimate approach to rock n roll. Their shows, much like their albums, will linger within your ears, making you sway to and fro, with your eyes closed and your feet softly keeping the jazz-like beat. Definitely keep an eye open for Quix*o*tic throughout your local venues. It's a show no one should miss.
For more details on Quix*o*tic, check out the Kill Rock Stars page or their own Quix*o*tic Fansite.
Photo: http://www.killrockstars.com