With the notable exceptions of Fugazis Guy Picciotto and Boss Hogs Cristina Martinez, few figures in the mid-90s punk scene possessed the aggressive sexuality and disarming stage charisma that Girls Against Boys Scott McCloud had in spades. With GVSB on hiatus for the most part (they still play random club dates from time to time), McCloud has turned that magnetic energy towards more contemplative, down-tempo territory with his new project, Paramount Styles. McCloud and GVSB took a spiritual and fiscal beating at the hands of the major label system, and the scars and wisdom that came with it are on full display on their debut, Failure American Style. Blessedly, its more heartrending than hateful, with McCloud relaying vivid tales about drunks, whores and dastardly music business people in his trademark husky growl. Uncharted territory? Certainly not, but its not without poignant potency.
Wed., Jan. 21, 9 p.m., 2009
