A Tale of Two Cities / Requiem In White or ORDER OF THE NCS or MORS SYPHILITICA

by Annette Lacey (Pitt Report-USA)

Back in my very short lived "goth" days (yeah, the dyed blue-black hair, all black clothing), I came across this band "Requiem In White". I think I was around 17 or 18 at the time and wasn't able to get into the clubs. Unlike most of the shows nowadays, back in 1985 almost every show in Boston was 21+, and what few all ages or 18+ shows there were had hardcore bands. But the Allston Food Co-op used to book all-ages shows in the back room that varied from the all-ages punk gigs around town, and I was lucky enough to catch Requiem In White. The band's line-up consisted of Lisa Houle, (who was sick and needed to have some tea and honey to help her throat), Eric Hammer on guitar, Cathy Carney on keyboards, Chris on bass, and a couple other members who's names I don't remember. Requiem released a 4 song cassette in 1986 featuring "Sleep of Life", "The Coming End", "Christ", and "Crusades". Although the production quality wasn't the greatest, Lisa's soprano and alto vocals and Eric Hammer's guitar work stood out immensely. The tape showed that RIW had the talent and potential for a decent future in the Boston music scene. I would hardly call the music RIW made "goth", but more medieval and Gregorian influenced. Requiem In White decided to move to New York City around 1989, and the only time I ever heard or saw anything from them was in a Propaganda Magazine videotape a few years ago. (Propaganda covers the dark "goth" scene in NYC). I was impressed by the growth of RIW's music, but still could never find out any info on what they were currently doing, or even if the band still existed. I had the pleasure of finally seeing Requiem In White live a second time at the Rathskellar ia few years back. Quite a difference from the show at the Allston food co-op. RIW were now a 4-piece rock band. Guitar, bass, drums and, of course, Lisa on lead vocals. No more drum machines for these kids. They showed a maturity and dedication that I haven't seen in many bands and I hoped to see them play in town again. Not a chance, though, because aft er that show I never heard another word about the band. This is probably due to the fact that they don't do interviews. About a month ago, we received a rather lengthy press kit from Lisa Hammer, (yes, she and Eric are married now) letting me know what she and the band were up to. Requiem have broken up and the pair have a new band "Mors Syphilitica". As Lisa explained, "it is a full 4-piece rock band. like RIW was." Lisa and Eric also released a CD under "The Order Of The N.C.S." , which is a ritual that Eric wrote. Keep your eyes and ears open for "Mors Syphilitica" I'm sure you won't be disappointed.