The Silver Spring Penguin

Back in the day, there was Laser Floyd. The local planetarium stayed open late on a Friday night, blasted “Comfortably Numb” into the darkness, and shot laser beams across the ceiling.

Now, we have Arthur Loves Plastic. The band (actually, Silver Spring mix master Bev Stanton) swirls techno beats with psychedelic ambient melodies and haunting vocals, then synchronizes that groove with 21st-century laser technology. And when that action drops, Laser Floyd becomes just another smoke-infused memory.

In “Free,” Stanton (above) collaborates with folk singer Lisa Moscatiello to spin an irreverent, electronic anthem to womankind. And in “Women Alone”, spoken-word vocals crunch with an industrial downbeat. Meanwhile, “Empty PhilHarmonic” confounds the ear with a taunting, disjointed melody.

Stanton’s more recent work rides less on technology, and more on sweaty sensuality and sexuality. “Love Me Right” is a steady but determined grind, a sonic orgasm. And “Sol” has a thumping beat that gets the blood pumping to groin muscles you never knew you had.

The Arthur Loves Plastic website offers sound bites from her latest CD, “Brief Episodes of Joy”, plus samples of her earlier works. Get a taste, then hit the Montgomery College planetarium (7651 Fenton St) Saturday night for the laser treatment. The free party drops at 8:00 p.m.

Refreshments won’t be served, so handle your business before the show.

Photo by Lori Thiele for Arthur Loves Plastic.