POP MUSIC REVIEW : Xymox Rises Above Name

Clan of Xymox, the underground Dutch quintet that headlined the Roxy on Monday, has saddled itself with one of the most stupid band names of the year. Taken from the word zymotic, which is defined as the process of fermentation or infection, Xymox sounds like it should be the brand name of some new wonder product. What’s next? Clan of Hydrox? Clan of Maalox?

Fortunately, the band’s music isn’t as woeful as its name. Even though the gloom brigade dutifully showed up in all its black-clad glory, Xymox didn’t claw at society’s tender underside or go in for fright-wig theatrics. Anyone looking for the next Nick Cave or Skinny Puppy went away from the 70-minute set horribly unsatisfied.

With Ronny Moering’s echo-drenched, monotone vocals and Frank Weyzig’s strangulated guitar stretched over batter-ram heavy bass, beatbox keyboards, and taut drums, Xymox rests heavy in the shadow of New Order and Depeche Mode. Such rhythm-heavy yet easily digestible songs as “Medusa” and “Stranger” could easily slip into regular radio air play and no one would raise a ruckus.

Yet what could have been hackneyed and uninspired in other hands was rendered palatable by a penchant for good hooks and the group’s winning, good-natured approach. It’s so rare for acts in this style to appear as if they’re enjoying themselves but the members of Xymox actually smiled occasionally. Moering, looking like a latter-day Arlo Guthrie.

Xymox’s palpable charm and hints of songwriting flair could push the band into the mainstream. But before that happens, it might have to do something about that name.