Two Star Symphony

The members of Two Star Symphony are pretty stoked about their new album. During the mastering sessions for Love and Other Demons, violinist Debra Brown sent a text message to cellist Margaret Lejeune saying, “Our new album kicks so much ass it’s becoming a bully.” The album marks the fourth effort from the local string quartet, but only the second to feature material written and performed exclusively by the foursome. The tracks include compositions Two Star created for its numerous collaborations, including “Goblin Attack,” written for the American Ballet Theatre, and a five-piece suite created for Houston’s Dominic Walsh Dance Theater.

It also features never-before-heard tunes such as “Ice Cream Man.” “[It’s] the most horrifying, disturbing song ever written and performed on toy pianos,” says violinist Jerry Ochoa. “Ice Cream Man” embraces Two Star’s dark, eerie classical style by combining the high-pitched notes of the small pianos with spooky string arrangements. Brown and viola player Jo Bird agree it sounds like the music coming from a nasty, broken-down ice cream truck. “Coming to steal your children,” Ochoa adds. Hear these and more when Two Star performs Love and Other Demons in its entirety after the Invincible Czars and Opposite Day start things off at 9 p.m. Rudyard’s, 2010 Waugh. For information, call 713–521–0521 or visit www.rudyards.com. $8.
Fri., July 25, 9 p.m., 2008