Celebration is a dynamic three-piece that features members of former bands, Jaks (on punk's Three One G) and Lovelife (Troubleman, Jagjaguwar). Co-founder Sean Antanaitis plays all the music for Celebration except the drums (that would be David Bergander's duty).

This means a thrilling balancing act of organs, electric keyboards, Moog bass pedals, and something called the guitorgan, an electric guitar hand-modified to produce sound through an analogue organ tone. He plays all of these instruments not just in the studio (hell, even Dave Grohl can do that) but on stage as well. It is a sight to behold.

Katrina Ford handles vocal duties with a passionate, guttural ferocity. Their debut self-titled album features guest appearances on several tracks by their friends, TV on the Radio. Celebration is a band interested in making music with primal intensity, and putting on shows full of sonic hijinx and euphoric energy.

Opening is Chicago's Alex and the Drummer. The enigmatic duo features Aleksandra (Aleks) Tomaszewska on keyboards and her drummer, Deric Criss. Get it? Let me tell you, this is one bizarre band. Their music is a lo-fi electro affair that just gives off an overall creepy vibe. It's minimal, eerie, and often enchanting.

The enchantment especially comes through when Aleks decides to sing over her keys (often in another language... at least it sounds like another language). Her wonderfully strong and warbled voice sounds like the soundtrack to a Grimm's fairy tale. She punctuates one placid song with a blood-curdling scream at its finale. Not sure where that came from. And you should see some of their promo photos. Creepy!

They've recently played a lot with Celebration, as well as shows with Kill Me Tomorrow and Pit Er Pat. TV on the Radio's Dave Sitek is set to produce their debut EP. I've never heard a band quite like Aleks and the Drummer.

Celebration & Alex and the Drummer play the Empty Bottle, on Friday, November 23rd.