The Killerians

Yes, they wore prom dresses while the movie "Carrie" played behind them on a video screen during a recent gig at Forward Hall.

Yes, lead singer Sue Martin — drenched in blood — smeared herself all over her band mates. And, yes, this nearly all-girl band — drummer Erik Mildner refuses to wear a dress, they joke — features an ominous band name, Killerinas.

But don't get the idea this is some psychotic, violent punk band. Killerinas play catchy, harmony-laced pop, not Slipknot. The show with "Carrie" was for Halloween. Ordinarily, their theme colors are black and pink, says Gina Rullo, the Killerinas' bassist.

"We like to color-coordinate our outfits," she said.

As for how they came to be Killerinas, that was a happy accident. Guitarist Lea Bodine, who's also a professional dance instructor, was typing data for a college dance course. Somehow, she merged someone's last name with the word ballerina.

"Killerinas," she read. "That'd make a great band name!"

"And so, the birth of Killerinas," explained Rullo.

Killerinas don't play complicated music. Except for Rebecca Styn on keyboards, they keep most musical parts relatively simple.

"I think our strongest point is our vocals," Rullo said. "The girls can sing, so we create those beautiful harmonies. Our playing is very elementary, except for Becky, because she's a musician. She has a nice depth to her playing on the keyboards."

Rullo and Bodine write most the tunes, which frequently look at the downside of relationships.

"But the music is kind of angelic and pretty pop," Rullo said.

So far, it's working. Killerinas have developed a good following.

"People are so supportive," Rullo said. "Not only did they come to the first show, but people return. We've had to turn down shows already."

All the Killerinas participated in our interview.

HOMETOWN
Erie.

BAND MEMBERS
Sue Martin, lead vocals; Gina Rullo, bass, vocals; Rebecca Styn, keyboards, vocals; Lea Bodine, guitar, vocals; Erik Mildner, drums.

THE INSPIRATION
While working together at the Erie Art Museum, Styn casually suggested to Martin they ought to start an all-girl rock band. That wasn't a new notion for Martin. She'd talked about it before with Telefonics' Gina Rullo and Lea Bodine.

This time, the timing was right for everybody. They got together in May 2004 with Lani Weissbach on drums for an all-girl band. However, Weissbach injured her arm shortly afterward and is still healing Erik Mildner, who also drums for Canadian Friday, stepped in.

THE SOUND
Harmony-drenched girl pop.

INFLUENCES
Blondie, Mazzy Star, B-52s, Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Velvet Underground, Emerson Lake and Palmer.

A FEW OF THEIR FAVORITE THINGS
Martin was definitive. "We like chocolate, cute boys, and shoes," she said. "Not necessarily in that order," added Rullo.

BAND YOU'D MOST LIKE TO TOUR WITH
"Black Rose Diary," says Rullo. "Can you imagine touring with those boys?"

Styn dreamed a bit bigger: "Rolling Stones."

WHAT'S IN YOUR CD PLAYER RIGHT NOW?
Styn (a Keith Emerson fan) spins ELP's "Greatest Hits." Rullo plays Pedro the Lion, while Martin gets into Jet.

FAVORITE COVERS TO PLAY LIVE
Killerinas plan to eventually feature mostly originals, such as the dreamy, creamy "Passed Over." For now, they also work in covers of the Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star," All Girl Summer Fun Band's "Becky," and "Salem" by Ultra Baby Fat.

CDS
Not yet, but Killerinas will sing back-up vocals on Pegasus Unicorn's upcoming CD.

WEB SITE
Not yet, but you can find information on Killerinas at the Web site www.basementtransmissions.com.