After fifteen years, the band is still the definitive keeper of that code, even if fickle indiedom now prefers the shallow, emo end of the art-rock gene pool. And Bettie Serveert has tunes -- a vision even -- nearly mistakable for sexual politics, or at least a conscience that never turns sanctimonious. Maybe it's van Dyk's anti-diva guile, the mammoth drown-outs of Peter Visser's pedal board or bassist Herman Bunskoeke's unintentionally comic impersonation of Ron Jeremy. But Bettie Serveert has beautiful buzz -- from guitars, not glossies -- and delirious grooves that smolder and stretch toward the secret of rock & roll.
Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door; call 314-534-1111 for more information.
Correction published 7/6/05: As originally published, this item mistakenly credited Bettie Serveert with having portrayed the Velvet Underground in I Shot Andy Warhol. In reality, Yo La Tengo did the honors, and Bettie Serveert was featured on the film's soundtrack. The above version reflects the corrected text.