Label Profile
5 Rue Christine
Washington
Profiled by Tyler Martin
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Formed as a sort of spin off from the Kill Rock Stars label in 1997, 5 Rue Christine is today the label for premier noise bands. The ethic at 5RC seems to be “whatever”. On their skewed webpage (whose front page proudly announces “NO WAR - says 5RC”), they address their business as such: “Success has no place in our organization-as long as there's bread on the table and gas in the car that's enough. Sell four records we'll press you to our bosoms-sell a million and we'll gun you down.”

On its roster today are some of the most critically acclaimed bands of months past. San Francisco-based Deerhoof, whose 2002 album Revielle was called “uniquely inventive and sublime” by Pitchforkmedia.com, new album Apple O’ is already receiving equal appreciation. 5RC’s website announces proudly, Deerhoof’s new album < I >Apple O’ will be strictly amazing.

The recently burgled Xiu Xiu is also on the label. Creating music featuring over-the-top noise (read: mistreated brass instruments) and overly emotional singing, Xiu Xiu is definitely on the cutting edge of weirdness, if not the cutting edge of music. The 2002 album Knife Play blended a shattered pop sensibility with an uncanny knack for taking things overboard to create a compelling, eerie listen.

Equally interesting is the spastic group the Seconds. As opposed to the aforementioned groups, the Seconds tend to play more straightforward. Straightforward, that is, for 5RC. Despite the screaming and pounding on drums and a general assault of sound, they are one of the tamer noise bands on 5RC. Having previously released a split EP with spazz-rockers Pink and Brown, the Seconds are now practicing their own brand of noise on the 5RC label.

Four Essential Releases:
Hella - Hold Your Horse Is
Deerhoof - Reveille
The Seconds - Y
Xiu Xiu - Knifeplay