Chain and the Gang is the latest incarnation of musical brilliance from D.C. rabble-rouser Ian Svenonius — part Prince, part Iggy, part Chomsky, part Andy Kaufman — who’s previously bestowed upon the world such deliciously caustic, sonically arresting bands as Nation of Ulysses, the Make-Up, and Scene Creamers/Weird War. Svenonius has been called “a Marxist version of Stephen Colbert” for the anti-authoritarian, anti-bourgeoisie, conspiracy theorist-style rhetoric and ideology he barks in songs and interviews — and commits to print in such fascinating tomes as his recent essay collection, The Psychic Soviet — that blurs the line between righteous indignation and pure satire/parody (like Kaufman, it’s virtually impossible to tell when he’s dead serious or pulling your leg). Whether or not his provocative socio-political stance makes you think “Yeh, yeh! Down with the Man!” or makes you want to punch Svenonius square in the face, there’s simply no denying the power and entertainment of C&tG’s blend of jailhouse blues, trash-punk, funk, and soul. With Hive Dwellers, Wallpaper. All ages.

Fri., May 29, 7:30 p.m., 2009