Rasputina brings a Victorian sound for Halloween weekend

Rasputina and Skeleton Key

Friday, Oct. 29

Doors: 8:30 p.m.

Tickets: $13

Mr. Smalls

… Rasputina and Skeleton Key

Friday, Oct. 29

Doors: 8:30 p.m.

Tickets: $13

Mr. Smalls

(412) 821-4447

Most people would consider rock music to feature guitar, bass, drums and vocals. Who ever thought it would be a good idea to use cellos and drums instead? The trio known as Rasputina will be haunting Pittsburgh with its eerily addictive sound this Friday night at Mr. Small’s Theatre with opener Skeleton Key.

Rasputina features the eclectic songwriting skills of Melora Creager on cello and vocals, along with her cello-playing comrade Zoe Keating and percussionist Jonathan TeBeest holding it all together with his unobtrusive drumming.

The band dresses in very Victorian and Renaissance-era clothing, and their writing reflects it. The music and lyrics often cite themes evoking that particular time period.

Creager’s lyrics can be quirky and nerdy in nature, but the essence of Rasputina’s soul is in its musicianship. The lyrics fit in perfectly with the weaving cellos, crafting a melody that envelops you and causing an appreciation for the brilliant underlying pop sensibilities that the band intends to share with its listeners. Songs like “Possum of the Grotto” have a nitty-gritty edge to them: “No meat / no bread / get inside his little head / cuz he’s the Possum of the Grotto / alkalize or die.”

Rasputina’s sophomore release, Frustration Plantation, was released this year to garner some industry buzz. The record was produced by Joseph Bishara (Marilyn Manson, Jane’s Addiction, Danzig). Bishara’s producing has helped the band tighten up its sound, and even given it an edge on tunes like the previously mentioned “Possum of the Grotto” and “Saline the Salt Lake Queen.” It has worked to the band’s advantage so far, bringing more fans to each show played.

Recently, the album has seen a re-release via the band’s Instinct label to an expanded double-disc set. The first disc contains the original Frustration Plantation full-length, and the second is filled with unreleased tracks and rarities.

The tour kicked off in Toronto on Monday, and will conclude in New York City on Halloween night. Set your calendars for a pre-Halloween show that should not be missed.