Indie Indy rock, well-done

Chris Haskett, Castle Oldchair, Stranger Lazy, Arcade
Radio Radio
Friday Sept. 24

More than 50 fans enjoyed some of Indiana’s best indie-rock bands at Radio Radio on Friday night. Brilliant balladeer Chris Haskett started the evening with a mellow solo acoustic rock set. He played covers of Beck and Neutral Milk Hotel’s “Two Headed Boy.” He sailed on the notes of original material.

Kokomo’s Castle Oldchair then took the stage with Carrie from Arcade joining on keyboards and vocals. Their country crooner Sean sang introverted ballads over bright bouncy rock. The addition of Arcade’s singer gave a textured touch to the vocals on “Backwards Running River.” Their nice original “indie-folk” is almost incomparable.

Stranger Lazy was up next with rhythmic riffs that at times sounded like Interpol. Then they got a little more trashy and classic as the singer screamed like Modest Mouse. After relaxing the mood with a slow, stomp-y keyboard number, they shredded things up in a climax of noise.

Then all the hip women in attendance crowded the stage to watch their fellow hipsters in Arcade.

The all-woman Muncie quartet delivered fast, loud, intricate riffs that rose and fell behind Carrie’s screaming vocals, earning them the honorary title of Kim Gordon’s kid sisters. The best moments of the evening had the lead singer screaming into the mic while waving a pair of panties in the air. Welcome to the wild world of Muncie’s girl-rock.