A few weeks back at Respectable Street's Japan/Haiti benefit show, there was one band out of the dozen or so performers that really captured our attention, Fevers.
Like the crackling whip of an expertly trained dominatrix, these Fort Lauderdale noise-pop purveyors shelled out a set that was as punishing as it was enjoyable, with its combo of shrilling dissonance over synth-pop splendor. Incorporating elements of Suicidal Tendencies and ominous Bauhaus-style keyboards under frontman Christian Humphries' over-the-top stage demeanor to rival Mike Patton, this newbie four-piece demonstrates tons of potential.
The group is the brainchild of Humphries, who began putting together what he refers to as his "collective supergroup" last year. Drummer Illia Tulloch plays the skins for moody Miami postpunk outfit Astari Nite, bassist Kitova McCarthy doubles his time with Pompano Beach hardcore band Kezia, and guitarist Jesse Meyers jams with expansive indie rockers Parade of Lions. Together, the quartet emits a frenzy of reverb, synth, and distortion over a tiny bit of harmony that recalls the new wave, synth pop, and posthardcore sounds Humphries grew up on.
Humphries is not modest about his group's ambitions. "The purpose of Fevers is to do the exact opposite of what every other band in South Florida is doing." Humphries telling us that his band will do what it takes to stand out: "We will exercise the use of being ridiculous, either in our lyrics or song titles, our artwork or stage antics."
With song titles like "Glory Holes" and "Meth Lab," we'd say they are off to a decent start. The group is currently in the studio wrapping up its debut album, titled Pale Spectrum, which is due out in the fall.
In the meantime, here is its latest track, the aforementioned "Glory Holes."
Fevers-Glory Holes by Cheerstothis
Beginning with blaring, angular guitars, and frantic drum rolls, this propulsive number switches tempos halfway through and becomes a menacing electro shocker that's overtaken by serious foot-pedal racket at the end. Fans of influential '80s noise-pop Big Black and NYC distortion wizards A Place to Bury Strangers will devour every minute of it.
Like what you hear? Fevers are schedule to take the stage Thursday at Himmarshee's hippest Thursday-night party, Digital Love.
Fevers. 10 p.m. Thursday, May 5 at Green Room, 109 SW 2nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale. 21+ No Cover, 18+ $5. Click here.
