Quixotic

Mortal Mirror (Kill Rock Stars)

By Kat Long
Published: September 30th, 2002 | 9:43am

The D.C.-based trio Quix*o*tic's debut record on KRS, Mortal Mirror, is an engrossing mishmash of minimalist song structures incorporating avant-rock, blues, and a spooky gothic streak. Sisters Christina Billotte (formerly of D.C. riot grrrl vets Slant 6 and Autoclave) and Mira Billotte (from the Blue Rider) share duties on all instruments and vocals, while prog-rockist Mick Barr fills in on bass.

Mira's voice is exceptionally fluid, sliding easily from a bluesy lament to a swaggering rock howl. Christina's less polished voice adds a rough edge to some of the more atmospheric songs. "Anonymous Face" is a memorable, down-in-the swamp chugger, while "The Breeze" features a haunting vocal melody and only the slimmest of guitar accompaniment.

The album as a whole is difficult to pigeonhole in an easily defined category: the sisters' stints in more conventional indie-rock outfits lends the songs a do-it-yourself feel, but the production is much clearer than your standard basement tape. Likewise, the blues and stripped-down soul that flavor every track seem like they should come from a more mature group of artists, but these young white punks carry it off well. Imagine the White Stripes in a cage match with Portishead and you're halfway there.