The Myrmidons are a trio from New York City formed by Ted Ottaviano and Lauren Johnson (Book Of Love) with vocalist Lori Lindsay (The Prissteens, Purple Wizard). Ottaviano has also remixed work by Hole, and Fleetwood Mac. Book of Love were a formidable synth pop band in the 80’s and 90’s. They toured with Depeche Mode, had a smattering of albums and singles released on Sire Records, and even a Hot 100 entry. The Prissteens were a legendary band in their own right, and in 1998 they released a one-and-done major label debut that has since gone onto become a well-regarded cult classic, a record that was loudly championed by Joey Ramone at the time of it’s release.
The Myrmidons have been releasing music together for a little over 10 years. Quite frankly, some of the stuff they’ve released is as good as an Abba tune, albeit gone full electronic synth pop banger. Last Friday they dropped their latest, a dark and lush cover of Siouxsie & The Banshees 1980 classic “Christine”. When I heard they were tackling that particular song, it made a lot of sense to me. Lori’s vocal shines in that lower register, and she delivers live without the aid of studio magic. She’s the real deal. People in her realm vocally would be Ronnie Spector or Joan Jett. My favorite Myrmidons song in their back catalog is “What Color is Love?” because it really let’s that vocal register shine, altho ‘So I Cried‘ is another contender with it’s sorrowful and longing lyrics, juxtaposed by a hopeful and soaring melody. That’s where that Abba-esque magic lies.
The Myrmidons deliver electronic goth-pop perfection in spades on their version of “Christine”. The beat is almost a jump-up style drum and bass beat, perhaps a little more frothy and light than that, but could certainly be given that kind of treatment. Lori’s vocal the star of the show, the instrumentation adorned in trademark chimes and effectively foreboding minimalist flourishes. So if you’re a fan of goth-pop chanteuses the likes of say, Toni Halliday from Curve, or Ms. Siouxsie Sioux herself, check out this latest offering from The Myrmidons. It’s available to purchase for a buck and some change on Itunes.
If you’re in New York City on September 8th The Myrmidons have a RARE live performance @ Nowhere Bar, 322 E 14th Street NYC.
