And you thought the Strokes were taxing their microphones. Wait'll you hear this anti-Barthesian band try to cram its surly vocals into that poor little metal orb. And that's not to mention the vampiric spook of Obscura's shimmering synths, which make the Faint's "Danse Macabre" sound like a fancy-dress waltz.

CAMERA OBSCURA is not pulling any punches. They're out to rock you so hard you fall onto the dance floor. The band launches its aural attack using an arsenal comprised of Michelle Maskovich's squealing keyboards, Duane Pitre's mountains of guitar squiggle, William Lamb's thunderous drums, and Russell White's urgent-yet-muffled vocals. Like a dance party during a tornado watch, CAMERA OBSCURA throws caution and moderation out the window in favor of thrilling, adventurous sound combinations. CAMERA OBSCURA formed in '98 in San Diego, incorporating members of THE SHORTWAVE CHANNEL, THE INTERSTATE TEN, and SPANAKORZO. The band self-released a 7" (now in its fourth pressing on Three One G Records) in October '98 and went on its first U.S. tour in January '99. More touring and recording followed, leading up to the release of their first full-length, 2000's To Change the Shape of an Envelope."Sadly, they are no more, but Russell and Michelle continue to record under the moniker CHAMPAGNE KISS.