Sun 10/27 @ 7PM
Germany’s KMFDM were one of a host of techno/industrial bands plying their groundbreaking sounds tucked away in their underground scene in the ’80s. It was the commercial breakthrough of Nine Inch Nails’ 1989 Pretty Nail Machine that took this music mainstream, bringing attention to some really intriguing artists.
KMFDM made electronic music with pounding but infectious beats and heavy metal guitars. Unlike most of their grim peers, they also had a sly sense of humor. Much of their material was tongue-in-cheek and hilariously funny.
Their 1993 song “Sucks,” for instance, sends up the attitudes of fans and censors about different types of music, and the whole concept of “selling out,” with lyrics like “Our music is sampled, totally fake/It’s done by machines/Cause they don’t make mistakes/We don’t have no lyrics/our message is nil/We hate all DJs, they’re makin’ us ill” and the gleeful refrain “KMFDM sucks!”
Led by Sasha Konietzko for nearly three decades, KMFDM has had numerous touring and recording members over the years. Its 18th album, Kunst, was released earlier this year. It again features the cover art of Aiden “Brute!” Hughes, who has done virtually all the band’s work in a distinctive graphic style that carries the influence of early 20th-century propaganda poster art. It also includes a tribute to imprisoned Russian punk band Pussy Riot.
KMFD will be playing one of the final shows at the current Peabody’s location before it moves over to the Agora in Midtown. (The final show is Tue 10/29). Chant opens.
Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of show.