ISSUE 30 Readers familiar with US Maple or the other bands on the group'slabel, Skingraft Records, have become accustomed to this form ofanti-rock music. Bands such as You Fantastic!, Brise-Glace and MeltBanana carry on the idea of breaking down the preconceived notion of what a rock concert should be like. US Maple have been compared to Beefheart and Pere Ubu while admitting a fondness for Devo and Roxy Music. Slick mumblings, souped-up and soured melodies on top of spastic rocket-fuelled drums is just part of the trademark sound of US Maple. The rest lies in the vocals of a crazed lounge singer (Al Johnson) fresh out of an intense session of electro shock therapy. Hebellows, whoops, gyrates and hisses with a slick and suave charisma that is perversely sensual. Their latest recording, Sang Phat Editor, layers the spontaneous screeches of art rock with an intricate funky beat and muted interludes. This, combined with passionate expressive vocals creates an evocative and accessible sound. Waterfalls of guitar crash ing into thundering drums, spraying eastern influences, weird tunings and tempo changes downstream. US Maple play The Funnel Bar, 24 City Quay, Dublin 2, on Tuesday the 17th of February. Backup is provided by Jackbeast and The Null Set.