Formally Thee Pillow Fight, The Psychic Detectives are a three piece noise-rock outfit whose music sounds as if it was inspired by 3rd generation garage rock, no wave, progressive classic rock, and the more delinquent, less contemporary side of punk. When I witnessed them live last month, I was reminded of "Return of The Rat" era Wipers and some of the bluesy proto-punk that bands like Antique Scream have brought to young ears. When the singer/guitarist (who according to their myspace page either goes by the name 1085 or Irish) isn't dressing in drag like in the above picture, he is sporting a nice kaja-mullet or maybe even a doo which recalls Nigel from Spinal Tap. Luckily their most recent performances have included less shtick and shenanigans thus helping audiences concentrate more on their eclectic blend of underground rock. Check them out on their myspace page. 

Some may say drummer Notah plays in too many damn bands. However, with the undecided future of Thee Unfortunates, Scorpion vs. Tarantula may become his main vehicle. Joining Notah is the founding member of Lansing, Michigan's Chinese Millionaires - Jay Bennett along with former Paperbacks singer from Chicago - Laura Hotshot. The mid-westerners relocated to the much hotter frontier of Arizona last summer. I am going on record as to say, with full confidence, Scorpion vs. Tarantula would had been Jeff Dahl's favorite local band had he not moved away to Hawaii two years ago. Jeff likes all-girl groups, but loves great co-ed gritty-punk'n'roll bands with strong female singers (ala Texas Terri & The Stiff Ones). Ms. Hotshot may not be Texas Terri but she is the closest Phoenix has had to a dominant lady warrior of rock'n'roll in a long, long time. With Notah's relentless cymbal-crashing and madman/genius hard-beat timing - blended with Jay's chainsaw guitar attack, Scorpion Vs. Tarantula comes off like a Motorhead/Guitar Wolf car wreck demanding immediate attention. The sound is heavy enough to not make anyone miss the bottom end of a bass player on stage, yet fast and frantic enough to solicit a swarm of young rockers ready to shimmy and shake in-almost-sync of Hotshot's rapid stage moves. All SvsT needs is one or two high profile shows on any of Arizona's many legendary stages to solidify their already existing reputation. From there they will be a sure bet for one of the best rock/punk bands in Phoenix for 2009. Hear what they have so far on their myspace page.