Is Electric Six a novelty band or a serious rock act? Probably somewhere in between.
The six-piece band is like that character actor who shows up in all of Sam Raimi's movies, Bruce Campbell. They're half-serious, half-joking, and entirely self-mocking.
Even lead singer Dick Valentine's name sounds like a put-on. Just see the video for "Danger! High Voltage," where Valentine wears a giant codpiece. And that's only an old preview to what they are like live.
They're one of those bands whose sound is enhanced in person, if only because their performances engage all senses. David Johansen was already mocking rock stereotypes as Buster Pointdexter years before Electric Six, but the Detroit-based band took the kitsch-factor to a whole new level.
Call it muscular camp.They're now touring with their new album, "Zodiac."
Tonight, they play Sonar. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12-14.
Find Local: Sonar is at 407 E. Saratoga St.
Photo: Electric Six Myspace