WESTERN GOTHIC SAVIORS

Band: Screaming Blue Messiahs.

Personnel: Bill Carter, vocals, guitar: Chris Thompson, bass; Kenny Harris, drums.

History: Carter and Thompson spent the early ‘80s playing in a rip-roaring English R&B; combo called the Motor Boys Motor. After gaining a less than rip-roaring reaction, the duo hooked up with Scotsman Harris in January, 1984, to form the Screaming Blue Messiahs. After an internship on London’s grimy pub circuit, the band--particularly Harris’s powerhouse drumming--attracted the attention of producer Vic Maile, known for his work with Dr. Feelgood. Maile produced the group’s debut EP “Good and Gone” (on the independent Big Beat label) in July of ’84. The Messiahs’ over-the-top performances in Europe and England led the New Musical Express to call the trio “1985’s brightest new talent” and resulted in a worldwide contract with WEA Records, which re-released “Good and Gone,” in April, 1985. The group’s new album is “Gun Shy” (on Elektra in America). The Messiahs’ riveting performance at the recent New Music Seminar in New York served notice that this band is one of the most dynamic arrivals of the year.

Sound: Screaming Blue Messiahs tap into a rare power and intensity, breathing fire and brimstone into an often moribund rock ‘n’ roll scene. Combining the off-center eccentricity of a Captain Beefheart and David Thomas with a Clash/Creedence Clearwater gut-crunch sensibility, frontman Carter resembles a deranged Mr. Clean as he rides roughshod through songs that explore and explode Southern and Western Gothic themes. Songs like “Smash the Market Place” and “President Kennedy’s Mile” are filled with nervy word play and graphic images set to drummer Harris’ rolling thunder and Carter’s array of neo-punkabilly guitar bursts. Delivering a blazing kick to the hindquarters of complacency, Screaming Blue Messiahs have the potential to be true rock ‘n’ roll saviors.

Show: The Roxy, Thursday.