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Sunshine state of psychosis >> It's Jack Off Jill against the over-the-hill by MISS KIM
Singer Jessicka describes the band's music (a perfect blend of androgyny, horror and Josie and the Pussycats) as the "bastard child of '80s pop and metal," with catchy phrases but heavy riffs. Of her own influences, Jessicka cites Regan from The Exorcist but adds, "If I had to be transformed into a man, it would definitely be (Psychedelic Fur) Richard Butler." Even in the '90s, rock 'n' roll shakes the establishment, and Jack Off Jill have had the distinction of being banned in several Florida towns. Most of Florida falls under the jurisdiction of the Adult Entertainment Code: in '95 Jessicka found herself a "victim of circumstance," arrested along with Manson for onstage antics. "We were in jail for about 20 hours and barely made it to the next show." Busted and banned, Jack Off Jill don't believe in compromise. "Considering everything we've gotten away with (prior to the arrest, anyway), I would say we had actually toned down," she says. After such previous fun onstage activities as having anal sex with an audience member's teddy bear, Jack Off Jill promise something especially exciting for their Montreal debut. Rumour has that new drummer Pat Briggs has cut off his penis and is keeping it in a "cryogenic lunchbox" to sew onto bassist Robyn (Agent Moulder). Also known as the "mad genius" of the band, Robyn first encountered Jessicka while working as an engineer, designing devices to keep convicts from escaping house arrest. She went on to become a laser tumologist, operating under the premise that, "We're all tumour girls living in a tumour world." Jack Off Jill have also welcomed new guitarist Scotty Putesky (formerly known as Daisy Berkowitz), who is currently engaged in America's favourite pastime, legal action, against ex-bandmate and employer Marilyn Manson. Jessicka's action figure of David Hasselhoff, longtime favourite icon and tour mascot, has unfortunately been retired for this tour. "We used to play the game called 'Seven degrees of separation of David Hasselhoff'--he's basically influenced every aspect of our culture." Mr. Hasselhoff now resides on Jessicka's mantle and is used only occasionally for illicit activities. If any concerned citizen wishes to donate a new action hero, Jack Off Jill would appreciate the, er, input. With Psychotica, at Cabaret, August 23, 9pm, $10+taxes
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Florida, land of contrasts and Geritol capital of the U.S., reflects the best and worst face of America, from family entertainment at its most surreal to strip malls, death metal and mutant fruits. South Florida is also home to the girls and boys of Jack Off Jill, who have been raunching and rolling their way through the American Dream since their inception in '92, upsetting the concerned citizens of the Sunshine State, touring with the likes of Marilyn Manson and Lords of Acid and making their own brand of family fun.