WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21: Much like the current state of the Democratic Party, the Gowns have smoothed over, tightened, and centralized their act. But don’t be fooled, cos despite appearances, this is the brainchild of Erika Anderson (ex-member of Amps for Christ, a leftist noise collective) backed by Ezra Buchla (ex-Mae Shi and son to the man who invented the Buchla synthesizer) and Corey Fogel (met Ezra at Cal Arts, and thus is a formally trained drum-skin pounder). With songs of drug addiction and struggling love, the Gowns have a “Venus in Furs” feel but leave the crowd in wonder with a closing spiritual number that asks, “Was it white like heaven or dark like space?” As Erika poses the question, she sings it like she knows the answer, wearing a handmade t-shirt that reads, “You Can’t Win.” The latest release is called Red State, as the Gowns are from the Bay Area—and comes just in time to rally support for the 2008 presidential election. Here’s hoping for a more thought-out and democratic future! (SS)