There's a lot to be said about gimmicks. There's also a lot to be said about first impressions. Owen Ashworth's solo project Casiotone for the Painfully Alone might have a tough time avoiding the pitfalls of both, at least at first glance. Though, with his thoughtful poeticism and mastery of electronics - more specifically the Casio, and even more specifically the e-drum - Ashworth proves music to be an actual reflection of the soul. The project may seem simple in practice and the name may appear emo in theory, but it's Ashworth's intentions that are characterized by complexity and organic purpose. His baritone-laden vocal approach, in particular, might find itself nearer to the earthly range of Jens Lekman than to electro-crooner (and Tomlab labelmate) Patrick Wolf. CTFPA provides Tomlab with yet another building block in the label's reputation as the finest outpost of electronically-influenced experimental music. Keep doing that thing you do. (Appearing at the Beat Kitchen on Nov. 16) --text: Cliff Berru

Chicks on Speed sound just as their name suggests. They sound like chicks, but on speed. In a good way. Formed in 1997 by three students from the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, Chicks on Speed, originally some sort of "fake band/art experiment," sing and play fun, odd-themed, smartass, cynical, synth-y, girl-powered electro-dance pop tunes. The lyrics to one of their best-known songs, "We Don't Play Guitars" (from the album 99 Cents), go something like this: "We shop more than other people/we don't play guitars/.we like to use gaffa tape/but we don't play guitars." The song features Peaches singing and playing guitar. Their punk-rock/feminist aesthetic precedes them; as in addition to their music, Chicks on Speed are known for colorful, arty, self-designed costumes (often including much leather) as well as for their video and print presentations. Great to listen to in the car and electro-circus-like live, these ladies give chick music a good rap. (Appearing at Sound-Bar on Nov. 17) --text: Michelle Liffick--photo: A.L. Steiner & Melissa Logan

On Gogogo Airheart's fifth studio album Rats! Sing! Sing!, the long-living experimental indie punk outfit fails to create anything worthy of your entire attention span. After spending the last nine years juggling around its members, the San Diego four-piece returns with a 35-minute, 15-track offering that experiments with new wave guitar and simplistic ska beats but ends up a metaphor for the band's past - all over the place and not really worth mentioning. Chopstick chords and random ranting prove more annoying than avant-garde on the opening title track. A few short select interludes on the album show promise yet go nowhere. But tucked away in the hubbub of eclectic and replaying strums are gems like the sha-la-la-la-la hair-whipping tune "So Good" and the Gang or Four-esque "Shake It Off." As for the whole piece, the band gets lost in its experimentalism and in the process never creates the masterpiece it seems to be aiming for. (Appearing with The Joggers at Schubas on Nov. 17) --text: Charley Rogulewski

Portland band the Joggers released their 2003 debut, Solid Guild, without much of a ripple. The band introduced songs akin to early Liars or the Walkmen, with vocalists singing in rounds to alt-rock rhythms. Two years later, the Joggers attempt to make a bigger splash with the just-released With a Cape and a Cane. Entertainment Weekly listed this as one of the most anticipated albums of the season, which is impressive considering they are celebrated in the same company of Fiona Apple and Outkast. The four-piece is comprised of Darrell Bourque, Murphy Kasiewicz, Jake Morris and Ben Whitesides who formed the group five years ago in the fertile Pacific Northwest music scene. The Joggers' sound is somewhat indescribable because of their intricate arrangements, dissonant vocals, and unpolished yet resonating melodies. The band currently tours all of North America, with a potential breakthrough not far behind. (Appearing with GoGoGo Airheart at Schubas on Nov. 17) --text: Garin Pirnia

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