Luminol is a chemical used by forensic investigators to detect trace amounts of human fluid left behind at crime scenes. It emits an eerie glow. Luminol is also a band of jarring creativity - a band that has a particular sense for the eerie itself. While largely creating soothing atmospheres, Luminol takes a certain delight in disrupting the gentle flow of songs with delicately unnerving melodies. When, as happens sometimes in the band's music, the lead singer should take a moment to sing a cappella, a feeling of dread begins to mount. When, as sometimes happens, that serene dread is interrupted by instruments, the effect is never a relief, but rather a further descent into murky unease. Luminol coldly offers no release, just more beautiful, relentlessly mounting fear.
[Hell's Kitchen, with Death By Stars, Dark Snack, 9 p.m., no cover, 928 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003]