Electric Child Stay on Best Behavior at SXSW

Of all the New York City bands that have played Stubbs Bar-B-Q this week, it's likely only one, Electric Child, has been introduced as "banned in Brooklyn."

"It gets pretty intense in here," said bassist Roger Greenawalt, offering fair warning to those gathered to see the electro-punk trio play Friday afternoon (March 18) at the Spin magazine day party. "I've got some pain medication for afterward if you want it.

The meds turned out to be unnecessary, as singer Alison Clancy, known for jumping off pianos, ticking off club owners and generally causing a ruckus in her hometown, was on her best behavior. She ventured into the audience several times, but it was only to twirl and kick, showing off her impressive dance skills and even more impressive gold lame leotard.

Clancy has performed with the Metropolitan Opera, among other prominent New York City cultural institutions, and Friday, as she sang over the scuzzy, disco backings provided by Greenawalt and drummer Ethan Eubanks, she drew on her classical training. She also shouted out her stalker on 'Peter Peter' and prepped the crowd for a plane crash on 'Air Show.'

The trio also covered Le Tigre's 'The Empty,' which, in Clancy's version, contains the line, "Went to your concert/ There was nothing going on." That's a criticism no one will ever lobby against Electric Child.