By Kiki Plesha
Photo by Gene Ambo
As MARK PANICK describes it, “If Black Rebel Motorcycle Club had sex with Lux Interiors Pumps…the afterbirth
from such an unholy union would be RAZORHOUSE.” OK, you have my attention! And a wonderfully visual dream
sequence running through my mind…
Razorhouse takes its name from the Mayan spiritual teachings in the POPUL VUH and have recorded a series of
EPs, each referred to as a "Codex"--the term for a section of the Mayan writings. The first EP release titled
“Codex Jun” is a raucous mixture of biting tones and cinematic textures from start to finish.
Mark Panick is a staple in the Chicago music scene—both now and back in da day when I was a much younger
fairy. He is known for “marching to a different drummer”…and I dig that shit. His “schtick” musically was known
as “Industrial Punk”—which in my warped mind conjures
visions of Devo in a factory with Laverne and Shirley
bottling beer…of course, Panick would probably dress them
in leather. What was I talking about again? Oh yeah…
Panick describes the “make over” (and I DO love me a
make-over!) of his band Razorhouse as “transformed into
a post-modern eclectic music experience that is part house
project, part singer-songwriter louche’--all combined with
raunchy ear candy guitar and percussion”. I think I’ve met
my “wordsmith match” and I don’t even know how to follow
that, but I’ll try…
I couldn’t help but notice that Panick lists himself in the
“careers” section of Facebook as “Vomit-Mopper at Baraboo
Clown College”. I have battened down the hatches in
anticipation of working with such a poet on this tantalizingly
tantric tale. Take THAT alliteration, Panick!
Razorhouse boasts an auspicious line up of musical
muses…there’s front man, songwriter, and guitarist Panick,
serving up gritty vocals. He is renowned for the seminal
underground bands THE BONEMAN OF BARUMBE and
CHAC MOOL--as well as his work with REVOLTING COCKS.
Panick, also considered a visual and performance artist, is
eclectic and quirky. His commentaries are known for
conjuring mind-smacking absurdities. I love that. And his
eccentric point of view and “pushing the boundaries”
style—delivered with growling vocals--is meant to lure the
listener into a seduction of sound, then hold them in such