Duo draws and deflects White Stripe comparisons

Jack and Meg these two are not, but they could have the same type of success.
By JOHN BENSONVINDICATOR CORRESPONDENTFrom its earliest beginnings last year, Cleveland-based Mr. Gnome has been single-handedly redefining the image of a rock duo.
Considering its lineup features Nicole Barille (vocals and guitar) and Sam Meister (drums), there are instant comparisons to The White Stripes, with its male/female makeup and duo status. However, there's nothing garage rock about this art rock twosome.
Citing influences ranging from The Mars Volta and Tool to Queens of the Stone Age, Mr. Gnome is quickly becoming known for its chaotic sound that explores unpredictable shades of violence and intensity.
"Oh I don't know, we're inspired by spastic weird stuff," Barille said. "It doesn't sound like there's only two people up there. It sounds like four or five people. So if anything, it's different."
Different is what initially brought Barille and Meister together. The two musicians originally talked about including other members but the music, which would eventually make up the material found on its debut EP "Echoes on the Ground," came so quickly they decided to keep it to themselves. However, they are sharing it with audiences around the region, slowing growing a fan base that includes Youngstown. After playing Cedars Lounge a few months ago, Mr. Gnome returns to the Mahoning Valley on Saturday with a show at Nyabinghi.
Give it some time
With all of this attention, most bands would quickly return to the studio to record a full-length. Barille isn't convinced that that's the best move for Mr. Gnome.
"Right now, we're trying to give the EP a full year," Barille said. "We're still hitting cities that we've never hit yet and trying to spread the EP as much as we can."
Essentially that means that Mr. Gnome is searching for label interest before throwing down the cash to record an album. Instead, another EP could be in the works but that's still a while away.
As for its upcoming set, the group has 20 songs in the mix with around half getting stage time. One tune Mr. Gnome won't be performing is its cover of Massive Attack's "Teardrop," which has been hijacked as the opening theme for ABC-TV series "House."
"We didn't like that," Barille said.
Considering the alternative sound and style of Mr. Gnome, performing a song being made famous in the mainstream for its use on a dramatic television series isn't exactly a great way to create a buzz or coolness with anti-establishment fans.
"Yeah, um, no," Barille said, laughing. "Maybe if I liked that show, but it bores the [expletive] out of me."