Structured Spontaneity From Thomas Trio

What are the chances of three guys wielding melodeon, trumpet and electric guitar--all plugged into electronic effects devices--really rocking out? When the man with the melodeon (a sort of small accordion) is David Thomas, co-founder of the pioneering industrial band Pere Ubu, the odds favor rocking. And in a weird way, he and his accompanists--billed as Two Pale Boys--did just that on Tuesday at LunaPark.

With Cleveland-based Pere Ubu, Thomas made everything from art-rock classics to unlistenable screeds, so he knows something about fusing strange noises and stranger music. His new album, “Erewhon,” is a veritable cacophony, as he, guitarist Keith Moline and trumpeter Andy Diagram aim to “accomplish spontaneity without resorting to improvisation.” It’s heartily irritating--but, happily, the group’s 75-minute performance was quite compelling.

Thomas was every inch the avant-bard in his black fedora and red vinyl butcher’s apron, spinning tales that ranged from poignant to angry to absurd. Performing several “Erewhon” songs for the small but appreciative audience, the trio sculpted bizarre, often distinctly blues-like musical landscapes. They also honored Thomas’ hero, Brian Wilson, with a barely recognizable “Surfer Girl” that morphed into a lengthy monologue covering Tammy Wynette, changing times and Thomas’ own cult status.

It wasn’t your average evening out. But the trio did accomplish that structured spontaneity, and in the process gave us cool noises, funny one-liners and food for thought. “We thank you for letting us entertain you,” Thomas intoned, and that was no exaggeration.