Ketman

By ZETH LUNDY

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Considering that the only constant of the Ketman aesthetic is that nothing is constant, it's very possible that, as you read this, the band is evolving beyond the description that I'm putting forth. It's a risk that Ketman would appreciate, and so, here is what we know: After a series of EPs, the Boston trio's latest full-length, El Toro, is that crucial arc in the plot where the band transcends an identity defined by rote. Ketman suddenly sounds like a band that will entertain any possibility, even if that means its post-punk sensibilities must weather the tickling of classic rock, algebraic prog or country. They live not in the moment, but in the anticipation of the next moment: Songs are anxious cliffhangers, ideas flare up and are quickly extinguished, album release parties are held for records that are still being recorded.

"That's basically the nature of the band," says drummer Mora Precarious before a show at P.A.'s Lounge, as guitarist Eric Penna and bassist Joe Marrett smile and nod in agreement. "It's literally like: Crap your pants, hold on, Eric booked a show, we've gotta make it happen. All the time." The transitory nature of the band's collective muse is reflected in the members' refusal to show their faces in press photos—a genuine music-over-image ideology that evades permanent record—as well as the rickety balance between Penna's sanded-down voice and Marrett's sandpaper growl ("Joe only sings in consonants," says Precarious).

Precarious also jokes about a psychic, unspoken connection between Penna and Marrett that she is constantly bringing down to earth. Penna and Marrett are the chemistry of ideals, she is the pragmatic force, but as a band, they must learn how to translate an ineffable concept into something concrete. This challenge is met by Precarious' insistence that the group tirelessly rehearses its material, even if Marrett jokes that "the more times we play 'em, I just find new ways to fuck 'em up." This is how Ketman stays one step ahead of itself: "Every time we do something that we haven't done before, we evolve," says Penna. "I love that."

[Ketman with The Campaign For Real Time and Giantess, Sat 11.22.08. Great Scott, 1222 Comm. Ave., Allston. 617.566.9014. 9pm/21+/$9. greatscottboston.com, ketman.net]