One Ring Zero

You don't have to live near Park Slope to appreciate One Ring Zero, but it helps to know the subway map. Led by former St. Louisans Michael Hearst and Joshua Camp, this Brooklyn collective specializes in an eclectic and slightly twisted mélange of styles played on unusual instruments. (Theremins and ukuleles may not be so unexpected anymore, but virtually nowhere else will you encounter kitty litter as an instrument.) The end result often resembles Harry Partch at a Hasidic wedding. It's a unique sound that has gotten them noticed by the NYC cultural cognoscenti: They are frequent NPR guests, and one whole album, 2004's As Smart as We Are, consists entirely of collaborations with such authors as Dave Eggers and Daniel Handler. Hearst and Camp bring the band home this week for two exclusive performances.