Three guys, drunk, violent and donning little more than creepy masks and scanty costumes—no, it isn’t a live reenactment of “Eyes Wide Shut,” it’s Shanghai’s Friend or Foe, a dance-funk-punk trio that in the last year has earned a reputation for outsized shows and an even more outside creation myth.

…or shall I say myths, plural. Depending on which website you’re reading, the laowai trio are either demon-angel triplets or aliens “currently traveling the earth, observing human behavior and categorizing it into rhythmic reports.”

Ok, so they might be a little over-the-top. But with vicious energy and songs titles like “Snortin’ Clorox,” Friend or Foe are sure to put on a good show. (Plus they once murdered their bassist onstage.) Check out their album release show this Saturday at D-22 with Yun Dong Ji, Yantiao, and Deadly Cradle Death. First 20 people in the door get a free copy of their new record, “My Claw is Never Limp!”. In preparation for the chaos, I investigated rumors about the band in a chat with vocalist/guitarist Rabshaka.

Tell us a bit a bit about each of your members. Who are you guys, and how did you come together as Friend or Foe?

I (Rabshaka) and Mahanadan (drums) came down to earth to explore the planet and got left behind by our mothership. Bob (bass) is a bum we met while here.

Is there any story behind your name?

Our songs are about strange unexplainable human behavior that an alien species would find interesting. We could be interpreted as a friend or foe. We leave that up to you.

I understand that you guys are aliens, wandering the earth, “observing human behavior and categorizing it into rhythmic reports.” Can you tell us what you’ve observed or learned so far?

Yes, there is a comic included with our CD that explains the whole back story. Artwork is done by Ivan Belcic of Twin Horizons. It's worth a gander.

I heard some bad shit went down with your bassist Bill. Can you explain what happened and how it impacted the band?

He got out of line and we had to kill him. Plain and simple. We did it at a live show called “The Kill Bill Party.”

You just released your first album, “My Claw is Never Limp.” Can you talk a bit about the packaging and the concept behind this record?

The idea is to make a compact package of awesomeness. We included a comic, back story and 10 kickass songs. It's all in there.

The record features a mix of styles—there’s hard, garage-y rock (“Terrorized”), more funk-influenced songs like “Crazy Eye,” grungy songs like “Smith and Wesson.” Where did this stylistic eclecticism come from? Was it intentional?

We have an energy that we want behind our songs and that is our focus. Our songs are heavy but stay in groove, and that is very intentional. We don't worry too much about genre.

How would you describe your live show? What can we expect at D22?

We bring a lot of energy, play hard and interact with the crowd as much as possible. I would also expect Yan Tiao, Yong Dong Ji and Deadly Cradle Death to play great shows as they are excellent bands!

DETAILS

What: Friend or Foe

Where: D-22

When: Saturday, November 19, 10 p.m.

How Much: RMB40-50