Electric Independence

Turning up the “rock” knob on the indie-rock vs. electronic- wank equation comes Austin trio The Octopus Project. Their self- produced debut album Identification Parade on Peek-A-Boo Records shifts from heady incidental guitar manipulations and melodies to a pounding four-on-the-floor workout. Think a cheap Stereolab who don’t mind getting drunk and dancing their asses off. The opposite qualities of rock and techno may seem slammed together in a sort of half-assed way, but the rawness and energy that result are definitely part of the charm. This album seems to scream, “Indie kids rebel! Dance like no one’s looking!”