I'd heard the legend: the lady in Pity Party plays drums, keyboards and sings all at the same time. But until I saw them play a set at The Scene in Glendale, I didn't realize that the legend was entirely literal. Julie Edwards, AKA "Heisenflei," keeps the beat with her feet and right hand, while her left hand punches out bass lines and melodies on a keyboard at her side. It's an impressive feat of dexterity, made all the more formidable by the fact that the no wave quirk-rock she creates with guitarist/vocalist Maurice-Robert create is kind of awesome. They're also a tasteful lot; their set at The Scene included a staggering cover of Syd Barrett's "Baby Lemonade" that needs to be committed to tape immediately. In the meantime, you'll just have to make do with their self-released EP,  featuring the fuzzy herky-jerk of fan faves like "The War Between Eight and Four" and "Dronebots and Peons for Eons and Eons." Rapidly ascending the L.A. band food chain, make a point to catch The Pity Party when they play with Autolux and Blonde Redhead at this year's Sunset Junction on August 18th. It's gonna be large.

Scott T. Sterling is Music editor for Metromix Los Angeles.