Stage frights

>> I Am Ghost’s theatrical chamber punk
haunts the Epitaph tour

by ERIK LEIJON

Southern California sextet I Am Ghost is one of four bands on the current Epitaph label showcase tour, and would qualify as the most unique of the bunch, an unholy mélange of punk, symphonic metal, choral music and goth style. Fans of the punk bastion Epitaph have been thrown off by the theatrical nature of I Am Ghost’s music and live set. Lead singer Steven Juliano admits the band’s elaborately ghoulish costumes and make-up provoke derision, but creating a striking live show has always been integral to I Am Ghost’s plans.

“In the Orange County hardcore scene, we blew up really quickly because kids were tired of the same old shit,” says Juliano. “In the ’90s, the concept of the epic rock star died out. If kids are going to pay $30 to see a show, they want to see people that don’t look like they just woke up. They want to see a band put in the effort.”

It’s not just their appearance that has been carefully constructed. I Am Ghost’s first LP, 2006’s Lovers’ Requiem, was a concerted effort to create a timeless rock opera. Juliano wrote the lyrics, and recalling his previous career writing for the HBO series Tales From the Crypt, drew storyboards to ensure it flowed effortlessly from start to end. (Juliano was also in theatre as a youngster, in the play version of the Who opus Tommy—the gold standard of ostentatious musical statements.)

To separate themselves somewhat from goth stereotypes, the band’s lyrics purposefully avoid violent subject matter. “I didn’t want to sing about suicides and all that shit,” says Juliano. “We didn’t want to harp on negativity.”

As Juliano provides the goth-punk aesthetic and bloodcurdling screams, husband-and-wife combo Kerith (violin) and Brian (bass) Telestai provide the classical background and arrangements. Kerith also sings duets with Juliano, providing a soothing contrast to his aggressive tone. Juliano also notes that her violin attracts new listeners. “It’s like a third guitar. Some of our best moments on stage have been when our guitarists are battling her on violin.”

He adds, “Yellowcard has violin too, but technically speaking, it’s nothing compared to us.”

WITH THE MATCHES, THE HIGHER AND VANNA
AT CLUB LAMBI ON SATURDAY, FEB. 24, 7:30 P.M., $12.50