Bands: Gymshorts, The Ar-Kaics, Atlantic Thrills Date: Saturday, May 3, 2014 Location: Providence, RI
We always love making the trip down to Providence to see our favorite rock ‘n’ roll bands and say hello to some friends, and who knows maybe make some new ones. Last year’s Rock ‘n’ Roll BBQ was one of my favorite shows ever and certainly the best from last Summer. Ahh the mammaries, I mean the memories. There’s always love and strangeness in the Providence air, isn’t that right Mr. DJ Studs Jerkel? Ahh my main man Studs!
Atlantic Thrills – If you were to make a movie about my youth Atlantic Thrills would have a sure spot on the soundtrack. Hell, they could even have a cameo. Needless to say, we’ve seen these guys a gazillion times and it’s always worth it. It may not be the most original music in the world, but that’s garage rock for you. I’ve come to recognize which bands recreate the sounds of the 60s well and which ones make a mockery of it. The Thrillz are definitely part of the former. Those sweet surf sounds, doo wop slop gang vocals, and catchy guitar licks rest easy on my wounded ears on this breezy Spring night. Outdoors shows are the best, we need more of these.
It’s an awesome set, but something is missing or I should say someone. Much to my shock, guitarist/vocalist Kelly Riley is no longer in the band. It just isn’t the same without Kelly’s evil glares, hootin’ and hollerin’, and just overall enthusiasm. Definitely a focal part of the music. In his place tonight is Rafay Rashid of fellow Providence rock ‘n’ roll group Ravi Shavi. Rafay does a fine job with the tunes and it feels natural, still you can’t replace Kelly.
The foursome mix Thrillz standards such as “Acid Rain,” “Problems,” “Light Shines,” and more with somewhat newer tunes like “Bed Bugs” and “Almost Anything.” They conclude with an entirely new song (at least to my ears) about waiting for the weekend or something like that. I’ll have to hear it again sometime hopefully sooner than later. https://www.facebook.com/AtlanticThrills
The Ar-Kaics – Keeping the fierce rock ‘n’ roll spirit alive is Richmond, VA’s Ar-Kaics. I’ve never heard of them until now, but they are more than up our back alley as far as rock ‘n” roll slime goes. They have a similar aesthetic as Atlantic Thrills, but with more of a mellow attitude. With that being said, they have an even greater grip on the 60s sound. I mean this is Back From The Grave shit right down to the bare bone. I also hear Seeds, Sonics, and 13th Floor Elevators. All that good stuff.
Before and after the set we have the pleasure of meeting and chatting with this charming bunch. Johnny gives us a nice little lecture on the history of garage rock and the various garage comps over the years that have helped shaped their style.
Impressed with their music, both Glen and I snag a copy of their “Make It Mine” 7″. It’s a keeper. Hope to see you old souls back in Boston/New England in the near future! CHECK IT OUT: http://thearkaics.bandcamp.com/
Gymshorts – Gymshorts, another local band, carry the garage punk torch and finish up this evening’s trilogy of badass music. These shorts have a like minded sense of loose garage noise, but they pack in a few more punches, a solid kick in the nads. It’s more of the punk in garage punk, if you will. After a while, these terms can get annoying and overused, but I’ll continue to employ them as a point of reference. Or maybe I should play with your head and tell you it’s late 90s swing revival. It could be, it’s just as fun.
I’ve seen the Shorts in Boston and Lowell several times now, but it’s sick to see the band again in their home turf. By the time they hit stage, errr I mean ground I’m feeling A OKAY, all slop bop, and no pop. Their greasy grimy, feverish gunk only makes me want to flop and plunge to the pavement. In the process, I lose the top button to my shorts – they’re not my pair of gymshorts however, thank God. That would have been just too damn ironic. So, essentially I spend the whole set, rocking out whilst keeping a grip on my shorts to make sure they don’t fall down on me. What a sticky situation. I’m telling you guys, weird shit always happens to me in Providence. Oh Brother.
Date: Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, 2014 Venue: Cambridge Elks Lodge
Yeah, I know this shit was like over a month ago. Get over it. The following is a recollection of April’s first annual BUFU Records Festival. Here are the bands that made me chill the hardest…
Night One:
Nice Guys – OOOHHHHH Nice Guys! Boston’s Nicest Guyzzzz. As soon as I enter the Elks these guys are getting ready to play. They blast through a fast, frenzied set that affirms my belief that I am one deaf bastard.
With this set there’s a solid chunk of new material or at the very least songs I’ve never heard before: “Whale,” “Rock ‘n’ Roll,” “Freedom,” “Pegger,” and “Stinker.” All bone crushing in their own eloquent way. Still, I get the biggest kicks from the regular chart toppers such as “Boxfort,” “Medical Envy,” and “Cop Walk.” During “Cop Walk” Alex rummages his way through the crowd in classic Alex fashion. A valiant way to wake up the stiff crowd and kick off BUFU Fest.
Yo, have you been staying up all night alone in your bed thinking “damn, I love those Nice Guys live if only I could own a piece of that magic on wax. Sigh.” Well partner, you’re in luck. Such a gem exists. Nice Guys have a splifft 7″ with fellow stasement boners Miami Doritos via KLYAM Records. Pick it up from here: http://klyam.bigcartel.com/product/nice-guys-miami-doritos-splifft-7 and then tell all of your friends about it. We’ll all laugh at your enemies together.
Set-List:
“Gary”
“Whale”
“Rock ‘n’ Roll”
“Freedom”
“Box Fort”
“Pegger”
“Medical Envy”
“Stinker”
“Cop Walk”
I collect Nice Guys set lists like a yuppie collects his Bill Joel ticket stubs. Dorks!
ACLU Benefit – This is my first ACLU Benefit. This isn’t the first time I’ve met Noah (the man behind ACLU Benefit) however. When I first met him he was dressed up as a juggalo at a Halloween show this past fall featuring Fat Creeps, Nice Guys, Guerilla Toss, and Designer. Actually, no wait we met on the train later that evening. Long story short, I had already heard the name ACLU Benefit tossed around these parts like the town whore, but at the time I didn’t realize I was speaking to the benefit himself. The low voice should have given it away. So, that night I looked up his bandcamp and I was correct. I went on to discover one of Boston’s most original voices.
Fast forward to tonight and I am delighted to finally be standing in front of Noah/ACLU Benefit in a musical setting for the very first time. It’s hard to write about his music because it evokes so many different emotions in me. That sounds like an excuse and it is, but I’ll do my best.
Noah stands alone with a guitar and that baritone voice you can hear from a 100 feet away. The crowd is building up, starting to get packed; it’s still pretty early in the fest. Noah introduces himself and begins to play. The performance is chilling, humorous, and all around entertaining in its own little way. Certainly one of the more engaging, inclusive performers I have come across over the last decade.
He has two distinct anthems in which he instructs the audience to sing along with him. In the aptly titled “Beer,” he informs us to sing “BEEEEEER!” after he sings “I’ve got a friend and his name is Beer.” So it goes like this…
Noah: I’ve got a friend and his name is Beer.
Crowd: BEEEEEEEER!
Noah: He loves me cause you’re not here.
Crowd: BEEEEEER!
It’s fun and interactive. There’s another song Noah plays entitled “Love Of My Life” and the performance operates in similar sing along fashion. This time as Noah sings “love of my life” the crowd sings “I’ll never get over you.” It’s one of those you had to be there kind of moments. You reading my description of it obviously doesn’t have the same effect. Case and point, go see ACLU Benefit. You’ll ponder life and wonder what went wrong. Don’t die wondering. http://aclubenefit.bandcamp.com/
Following the set, Glen, Ben, and I shake hands with Noah, complimenting him on a job well done. It’s worth missing the next band.
Funeral Cone – The lodge is rockin’ and the party is off the hook by the time Funeral Cone gets rollin. I saw these peeps at this exact spot here back in September and it left me bleeding. A nice little scar on my arm. A Funeral Cone memento if you will. This set is pretty much the same thing, minus the blood. Constant moshing from the punks, indeed, it’s a punker’s wet dream. Ramonesian tune (they may even cover some Ramones tunes? I’m fuzzy) with flashes of early hardcore punk a la Circle Jerks. With a diabolical keyboard in tow, it makes for a hardcore Okmoniks. Surely, the garage rawk klowns will foam at the mouth over this gunk. Slimy seconds err thirds, I’ll take em’.
P.S. Cory from SKIMASK, Ancient Filth, and Concrete Facelift also plays drums in Funeral Cone!
Gymshorts – This band’s music is as satisfying as their moniker. As I type this I’m comfortably sitting back in my own pair of gymshorts listening to Gymshorts. You know, I’m not really sure where I’m going with this, but trust me you want to hear this band. If you’ve ever trusted me before (I don’t know what you were thinking), trust me on this one. Loads of killer slop rock songs that stick to you for dayssss kidddddd. My new favorite band or at least the best band I’ve heard all year.
I just got into Gymshorts a few months back and from the looks of it most in attendance are unfamiliar with their music. They eagerly stare at the band, bopppin their heads and possibly other things… not really moving too much though, which is a damn shame. That’s ok, it almost makes it that much more hilarious when Sarah (vocals, guitar) bursts into the crowd barreling through a sea of stiffs. They never expect it haha. Regardless, after their set I overheard some kids praising their performance, so Providence’s best shorts have converted some Bostonian heads in the process. Listen to dis shit for weeks: http://gymshorts.bandcamp.com/
Free Pizza – Before Free Pizza begin their set, BUFU Records founder and BUFU Fest organizer, Ben Katzman announces that BUFU Records will be reissuing Free Pizza’s Boston, MA (previously released as a tape on BUFU) on vinyl alongside Feeding Tube Records. When I hear this, I can barely see Katzman’s face because I’m way in the back of the room, though I know it’s him up there because of his distinct voice and tone. The place is packed to the gills, but I have to get up front for this. The band launches into their set and Jesus Vio starts singing “I’m going forwardddd” (“Forward”) as I am literally moving forward to make my way to the front. The crowd eats it up and dances their asses off and it only gets better.
The next song is “Net Babes,” one of my favorites from the group and I’m not alone in this. I start singing along “We have no beaches, but baby we can surf …” and before I can even finish the line I notice Ben Katzman looks back at me, smiles and sings along with me, “but baby we can surf the internet!” Katzman’s enthusiasm is contagious and as I said the crowd is going bananas.
They continue to play some songs off their debut, such as “Freedom Pizza,” “Ducks,” “Porty,” and “Baby Girl” as well as some fresh cuts (I think) like “Keep on Moving,” and “2 Broke.”
The best part of not just Free Pizza’s set, but the pinnacle moment of all of BUFU Fest comes when the band closes with “Boston, MA” the final track off the album of the same name. The song alone encapsulates the feeling of inclusion, unity, rejection of the mainstream, and above all good old fashion fun aka “chilling mad hard” that BUFU Records, BUFU Fest, Free Pizza, and the Boston underground as a whole represent on a daily basis; here is just the perfect microcosm and it hits like an explosion. The band encourages everyone to sing along if they know the words and even if you don’t, it’s all good. A shirtless, sweaty Jesus triumphantly flings himself into the crowd as they dance along and sing into the mic with him “Living in Boston, Massachusetts, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTSSSS!!!”
Definitely one of the greatest live experiences in my life. The whole set, but in particular “Boston, MA.” A rare feeling I struggle to put into words. If I could bottle it up and ingest it every morning I totally would. For what it’s worth, I’ve never been one for civic pride. It’s just not my style. I’m not ashamed of my town/city/state, but I’ve never felt any direct connection with Boston and it’s surrounding area. With that being said, Free Pizza’s “Boston, MA” is finally a New England anthem I can actually identify with and one that makes me happy and proud to live here. http://freepizzarocks.bandcamp.com/Can’t recommend this album enough.
Juan Wauters – With all of the excitement following Free Pizza’s set I almost forgot I’m seeing one of my favorite artists for the first time, well you could say that. Juan is the lead singer for Jackson Heights, Queens, New York’s The Beets, a band that co-KLYAMER Glen and myself have been fascinated with the past 4-5 years. We’ve seen The Beets a number of times now, but we’ve never seen Juan solo. In fact, before Juan even makes it to the stage/floor, we’re praising the man, shaking his hand, giving him big hugs, offering him beers. He’s overwhelmed by the love and support, I can tell he appreciates it or he’s a bit freaked out haha. Matter of fact, Juan actually interviewed Glen or I should say Gangbang Gordon for Allston Pudding. True story.
It’s all dark and quiet and the Juan begins (following another arousing introduction from Mr. Katzman). I can’t remember what the order is, but Juan and his acoustic guitar bust out some recent fan favorites form his debut solo effort N.A.P. North American Poetry. These include, but aren’t limited to “Water,” “Sanity,” “Continue To Be You,” and “Let Me Hip You To Something.” There are a lot of Juan fans in attendance, all sitting and standing, huddled around the Uruguayan singer. BUFU Records/Fest co-head honcho Chris Collins especially is digging the Juan, he always does. We all do. I’m confident Juan hipped many kids on to something haha, something special.
The Founding Fathers – Now, here’s a fine group of young, upstanding gentlemen that look awfully familiar. Call me crazy, call me wild, but they bear a striking resemblance to another local band you may remember as SKIMASK. Ehh whatever, must be me losing my mind.
Speaking of which, the lead vocalist seems to be off his rocker as well. He shrieks and flails about, barging through the moshers on a warpath, both physical and vocal. He’s an orator. An enigmatic performer of epic proportions. He crashes into the drum kit, he rolls on the floor, tossing his body to and fro in a possessed state of mind. Not wasting a second to rant and rave and proselytize the elks lodge inhabitants, when he’s not tearing the place to shreds. He spares no one, the audience is the target. He runs through the crowd as if he is engulfed in flames and burning to death. He stares into their eyes helplessly like he’s Carrie White covered in period blood, fiercely moving forward amid a chaotic atmosphere. It could all end at any second.
Electronic, spastic alien noise and fast, deafening drums provide the backbone to all of this pandemonium. It’s noise, it’s odd rock ‘n’ roll, and definitely one of the highlights of BUFU Fest.
Guerilla Toss – If any band could keep up with the the frenzy of the previous set then it’s Guerilla Toss. This is also one of my top sets from the entire fest. It’s always a trip, a party, a filthy mess when it comes to Gtoss and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Hundreds of kids are up front, slamming into each other, if you can even move. It’s body to body, no open space. I’m hot as a motherfucker, perspiring all over the place. The crowd is one giant body, a sweatball that bounces back and forth to the band’s self-proclaimed fucked up dance music. It’s fun as always, though I would prefer some room for more hippie dancing/moshing, then again I love when it’s just a crazy mess too. One downside is that I can’t see everything and I can’t even hear everything. Kassie’s vocals seem a bit lower or it’s just me. I’m gone. My eardrums took a serious pounding tonight.
As the set wraps up, Simon Hanes bangs his two fists against his head several times like he’s Jake LaMotta or Andre the Giant or some other human animal. Gtoss is a bestial powerhouse, let em’ bring out the beast in you!
Night Two:
Gangbang Gordon – My homeboy Gangbang Gordon kicks BUFU Fest night two off with a BANG! As GBG and his Northshore barebackers crack into their set the crowd is slowly building up and taking notice.
GBG opens with “Life At The ABC” and “The Breeze” two tunes that will be featured on his upcoming cassette Culturally Irrevelerent coming out this Summer on none other than BUFU Records!
Among other rocking standards such as “Lost Touch With The Youths,” “I Can Testify,” and “Warm Warm Warm” that get some folks headbanging, there’s also a new cut known as “Not Your Average Professor Liberal Arts.” A tune only GBG could imagine.
The sound is a bit all over the place and not everyone sounds in sync with one another, which can be expected at a GBG show, but at least they’re having fun and that’s not always the case with a lot of ‘rock’ bands.
For some of the tunes including the Spanish rap number “Orguello De Rappers” there’s a blinding, seizure inducing disco ball light. They close the set with “Slide Paper,” which sounds like a teenager’s attempt at recreating a Van Halen song. It’s a good riff. http://gbgordon.bandcamp.com/
Set-List:
“Life At The ABC”
“The Breeze”
“Lost Touch With The Youths”
“I can Testify”
“Warm Warm Warm”
“Not Ya Average Professor Of Liberal Arts”
“Orguello De Rappers”
“Slide Paper”
Frank Hurricane – Damn, it’s been years since I’ve seen the one and only Frank Hurricane. Frank can captivate an entire room of gangstas with a few words. Frank aka Hurricanes Of Love will always hold a warm place in my heart, for the first basement/house show Glen and I ever attended was at the Dirty Douglas in Lowell and Frank opened the show. His kind, gentle, and humorous demeanor was the perfect introduction to underground music and the local music scene. That was a little over three years ago. Frank was on tour from Atlanta. He is a constant traveler and tonight he speaks of his various travels.
Frank sits back, plays some acoustic guitar, and rattles off hypnotic tale after tale of one amusing (or sometimes disturbing) anecdote to the next. He is a true raconteur, a rarity. http://frankhurricane.com/
Littlefoot – Littlefoot is a band from Providence that I’m starting to really get into a lot. I first saw them opening for Atlantic Thrills at their album release party at Dusk in Providence. This set had similar, dream pop vibes. Very relaxed, comforting, and insanely catchy. Almost too many people for me to truly enjoy it. I look forward to seeing them more in the future, especially in more intimate settings. http://littlefootlittlefoot.bandcamp.com/
Dylan Ewen & The Sulk Scouts – Ahh one of my favorite local bands. It’s always a fun time when these kids play. They wear sunglasses, Hawaiian shirts, and just let off a breezy, chill attitude. That isn’t to say they can’t rock out, because they most certainly do. Kooky klassics like “Us Girls Got It Tuff,” “Handcuffs,” and D.Ewen OG “Korean Girlfriend” are all on display.
The band also performs Madonna’s “Like A Virgin,” a fitting cover that complements their mixture of coyness and semi-deviance. It’s all for fun.
Set-List:
“*noise intro*
“Us Girls Got It Tough”
“Handcuffs”
“Cool Party”
“Like A Virgin” (Madonna Cover)
“Stoked To Be Sad”
“Korean Girlfriend”
“Fkuu Me”
Fat Creeps – This is the longest I’ve gone without seeing the Fat Creeps since… ever. Last time I saw them was on New Year’s Eve! Crazy, whack, son. Things have changed. They have a new drummer. Mr. Travis Hagan. My dude! You may have seen him in such local rock ‘n’ roll juggernauts as The New Highway Hymnal, Chill City Icon, Wakes, Radskull, and you may recall Travis’ brief stint as the drummer for The Migs. RIP Migs :(. Anywho, he’s behind the kit and he kills it.
If my memory serves me correctly they open with “Secrets” and it’s great to finally hear the song live again after all this time. Most of the set, however, features newer songs These tunes will appear on their upcoming full-length Must Be Nice on Gnar Tapes and Sophomore Lounge Records. I’m looking forward to it to say the very least.
All in all, as I said before great to see the Creeps again and it’s awesome to see a big crowd of kids devouring the various Creeps numbers, both old and new. http://fatcreeps.bandcamp.com/
Unstoppable Death Machines – This is the last band I remember truly hitting me over the head with their music. Or that may have been their fans haha. It’s a rowdy set for this NYC noise duo, think Lightning Bolt. I’m sure they get that comparison a lot, but that’s what comes to mind for me. There’s still a lot of people in the room, but it seems like less than before. Still a decent chunk, going apeshit to the ravenous sounds of Unstoppable Death Machines. My buddy Brian Hickey and myself are at the front of the pit, smashing into each other and everyone else. It’s lunacy! http://unstoppabledeathmachines.com/
So that’s that. BUFU Fest was an extraordinary experience. One of my top shows ever and definitely the best I’ve seen this year thus far. I can’t wait for next year. I hope you chilled as mad hard as I did. Peace.
It was a pleasure as always to come through the Drive-In to see some bands. This particular spot is a bit more out of the way for KLYAM so unfortunately there’s the usual leaving early and missing out on some groups we would really love to stay and watch. But I got to make the most of a live rock ‘n roll experience and I loved every second.
Free Pizza is an institution around here. They were up first. The threesome powered through a pretty new set – I think they only played one tune from BOSTON, MA. I witnessed these newbies fitting nicely alongside what they’ve done in the past. Jesus has a particular pop inclination present on particularly every FP song, but hell I feel this inclination broadening and really opening things up. I’d probably be scared if anyone other than FP was venturing here; it’s just that the Pizza does things right. Nice and snug.
Next on the agenda was Acidosis. I should not neglect to mention that Free Pizza and Acidosis spent some significant time on the road together in the month of May, which included a couple more stops after this show. So Acidosis is BUFU Records honcho Ben on bass and vocals, Diego on guitar, and Will on drums. They’ve got that metal, that hard rock – stuff not all too often bandied about and extolled on this very site. That said, I greatly respect the punk attitude, the shred, the fun that is these guys live. I’m sure there are bands out there doing something like this around here, but it seems to me like they just don’t matter when you’ve got Acidosis. I was frankly worried about my right ear as I was positioned smack dab in front of Diego’s amp. Lucky for right ear, he turned up just right. So everyone’s wailing, everyone’s pounding, Ben is shouting God knows what while making faces and stances that spew intimidation. These are friendly guys. Birthday man Rory from Designer joins the crew on the mic for the first song.
The last band that my right and left ear and eye could percept was Animal Lover. Now in my younger years I would go see shows and frankly a lot of the openers at these above ground spots were not my cup of tea. At a house show, though, I find a lot more exciting bands on the bill. This makes sense, pal. Alrighty so Animal Lover – a noisy racket from Minnesota. They’ve got the speed and tenacity a la Guerilla Toss, a la Designer. Indulge if you dig on those groups. The packed Boston basement crew was real receptive to these folks and yeah of course I wish I was up front for the action. I saw it go down from the boiler section. I still had loads of fun.
I recently saw Liars at Brighton Music Hall. I hadn’t seen them since 2008 and this was worth the wait. As I was waiting I saw a guy up on the stage setting some equipment up. I soon found out that was not a guy after all and that actually was Jana Hunter. I knew of Jana Hunter being the frontwoman of Lower Dens. As a solo artist she sounded more stripped down. It was just her with a guitar and a drum machine. She started her set with a cover of Hall & Oates’s Maneater. The rest of her songs were new songs that she wrote for Lower Dens. Right before Liars went on, the lights dimmed and projections started up on the screen behind the stage. Each band member came out and last to emerge was Angus Andrew wearing a maskhat made of colorful yarn like what is on the cover of their new album Mess and all the promo pics leading up to the album’s release. They started with some songs from Mess. This album as well as their last one are more electronically based. I think the new one is a bit more aggressive than its predecessor. The songs got the crowd bouncing. They just went through song after song until their set ended after about an hour. Personally I think they should have played longer. I was hoping to hear some of their really old songs from their first couple albums.
Liars’s Setlist
Perpetual Village
Pro Anti Anti
Mask Maker
Let’s Not Wrestle Mt. Heart Attack
I’m No Gold
No 1 Against the Rush
Vox Turned D.E.D.
WIXIW
Mess On A Mission
Brats
Plaster Casts of Everything
Freak Out
Bands: Black Lips, Natural Child Date: Saturday, April 19, 2014 Venue: Paradise Rock Club (Allston, MA)
This band/show needs no introduction. I usually run through a massive history to introduce my Black Lips reviews, but at this point it just feels redundant. Look all around you. Check out this site and you’ll see what we’re all about… KIDS LIKE YOU & ME – we started five years ago, the same year we first saw the Lips live. Many subsequent shows and excessive fandom have since ensued. Alas, it’s been nearly three years since we’ve seen the band in the flesh. In fact, it was exactly three years ago when we saw the Lips here at the dise; we ventured out for a couple of NYC shows later in 2011. Three long years.
Over these years, KLYAM itself has slowly evolved. With each passing year we have grown closer to the music community as well as carving out our own distinct identity in that same community. Our focus has shifted from bigger (mid level) bands to smaller, local rock ‘n’ roll outfits such as Atlantic Thrills, Fat Creeps, Nice Guys, The Fagettes, etc. The list goes on and on and I can’t recommend all of them enough especially if you salivate over Black Lips and the wild rock ‘n’ roll spirit they embody. Anyway, primarily keeping up with these Boston/New England monsters has forced us into an underground world of dusty basement shows, tiny (sometimes empty) rock clubs, dive bars, or simply hip, welcoming art galleries/DIY spaces. This is the same world our friends the Black Lips were spit out of many moons ago.
If you’re not familiar with the first half of the Black Lips’ career, I suggest getting to know it. See: Die Slaughterhaus (Atlanta house venue in the early 2000s – home to Black Lips, Deerhunter, and a whole scene full of wayward boys and girls and drunken debauchery). Those were their “underground” years. 1999-2006. 2007-present, the band has become a massive force in the “indie” world, garnering vast media attention, fan adoration – homegrown and international (tours of Israel, India, and the Middle East), not to mention a steady batch of solid albums to back up the acclaim. So, after that lengthy introduction (ahh fuck, I guess I did give an introduction even when I set out not to), here we are tonight and despite our nastier leanings, we still love the Lips as much as ever. Here we go. To the show…
But wait, the doors aren’t open yet! “So call the copssssss” No wait call the Firemen apparently cause “no fire in the 40 Watt motherfucker!” errr I mean “no fire in the Paradise motherfucker! Alright, I’ll quit with the Lips references. Long story short, a fire alarm or something went off in the Paradise, so we have to wait outside for another twenty minutes or so. Fine, we do some catching up with our fellow Lips devotee Travis, reminiscing of past Lips concerts.
Natural Child – I’ve been a Natti Child (that’s what I like to call them, fuck off) fan since 2010, yet I have never seen the band live :(. They have been to Boston before though. As far as I know, this is their third show. Their first appearance was under the radar, seeing that the band was playing at a house show in Allston (Twin Towers) in November 2011 and damn I missed it. The second time was at Great Scott also in Allston in July 2012 and I was out of town that week. Now, NOW is my time. Though, I’m still a Natti Child fan, I’m more enamored by their older, more aggressive, punkier, material which always had a lovely flavor of country to it. Nowadays and for the last couple albums, these Nashville dudes are 100% country fried. This is cold country to the bone. Very chill, relaxed, like sitting on your porch, smoking a pipe, maybe a spliff, perhaps listening to the splifft – the Nice Guys/Miami Doritos splifft 7″ that is, available through KLYAM Records ;). OR simply listening to the rad eee ohh, leaning back and sipping down that smooth whiskey whilst discussing your thoughts on the Vietnam War with your buddies. It has that laid back feel to it.
The crowd appreciates Natural Child as do I, but at best there are some slight movements, a little dance here and there. I myself am mellow in my admiration. I don’t recognize any of the tunes, but I still enjoy their performance as a worthy introduction to the Lips and as a long time fan of the band. I would have liked to have heard more (if any?) earlier, 1971 (2011) era Natti Child, but that’s alright. Lastly, the band has grown in numbers since I last checked them out – there’s now an additional guitarist and a pianist. Yessir, I can finally cross Natural Child off my “Bands To See Before I Die” list.
Black Lips – The excitement, the awe, the anticipation, the moment, the memory. The Black Lips are my favorite band of all times, if that hasn’t been made abundantly clear by this point. This may not be the Middle East (the venue in Cambridge) nor 2009, but hell it’s still a rollercoaster for me. One thing does disrupt my rollercoaster ride, however, and that is this dumbass guardrail that serves as a mighty trench between the stage and the people. It’s a fascist barrier and kills some of the vibes, but we manage.
“Sea of Blasphemy” (Let It Bloom, 2005) is still the choice opener and as always that kicks off the hurricane of bodies smashing back and forth into each other. The foursome slither into Arabia Mountain (2011) classic “Family Tree,” then transition to a new cut “Drive By Buddy” from their latest LP Underneath The Rainbow (2014). Cole lends his vocals to all of these ditties and Cole does well in his raspy, punk slimy, Cole way. Though Cole ain’t the only one belting out the leads…
We get served a full entree of Joe numbers. Dude bops the skins and screams his heart out without a second of hesitation. The look of exhilaration and pleasure on his face is the heart that pumps the band and the audience as a whole. Or for a less flowery, more flower punky metaphor, the drummer is the power bottom of a rock show. He (in this instance) is limited by his position, seated all by his lonesome, way in the back. YET! he generates the power of the music. He is the dominating force that fuels the entire room’s adrenaline. It totally comes through tonight.
You have Joe’s lead vocals on killer hits like Let It Bloom’s “Not A Problem,” a tune that seriously gets the crowd all riled up and singing along, “Buried Alive,” (Los Valientes Del Mundo Nuevo, 2007) a consistent smash whenever they happen to unleash it, the big chart topper, “Bad Kids” (Good Bad Not Evil, 2007), rampant dancing machine inducing “Go Out and Get It” (Arabia Mountain, 2011), and most recently, UTR’s “Justice After All.”
If you’re a Jared man, well then you’re loving some real electrifying tunes. Jared takes control on “Modern Art” (Arabia Mountain) and “O Katrina!” (Good Bad Not Evil) arguably two of the finest, most accessible, and certainly memorable songs from their entire catalog. By contrast, the Lips bust out a lesser known jam and rarely played one at that in “Punk Slime” (Let It Bloom). This one features J Swill on lead vocals and it’s a personal favorite as it is from my favorite Lips album from my favorite era of the band. More importantly, it is the KLYAM anthem – as we quote “PUNK SLIME ALL OF THE TIME!” It’s our “slogan,” and like the name Kids Like You & Me, we’ve taken it and mutilated it into our own.
Jared also provides the leads on a new song known as “Smiling,” (Underneath The Rainbow) one of the few songs I actually enjoy from the new record. Oh what, you thought it was all cock sucking around here, didn’t you? didn’t YOU? Well, everybody loves a cocksucker, but they’re not getting one. Yeah, I’m not as big into this record as all of the others, but that’s okay. This is not an UTR review. “Smiling” gets me going though.
I didn’t forget about my main man Ian. Always one for words, Ian spreads his arms open and thanks “all the fans.” He explains that they have been playing rock ‘n’ roll all along. Amen brother. Ian takes care of the lead vocals on his song “Make You Mine” (Underneath The Rainbow) and honestly he has the most polished vocals of all the members, while still retaining a rough, not ready for top 40 radio voice. Screw em’. It’s only rock ‘n’ roll.
Going back to Old King Cole Younger for a bit, he may be the most animated Lip. Hawking loogies and frolicking to and fro with his guitar. He is the lead vocalist on most of the tunes tonight and always gives the group its raw delivery. While I’m not as into the new song “Boys In The Wood” (Underneath The Rainbow), I love all of the essentials like “Raw Meat” (Arabia Mountain) and “Dirty Hands” (Let It Bloom) – the perennial sing along, Lips anthem if there ever was one. I love how Cole holds out his hand as if he is holding a joint when he utters those immortal words “Me and Bobby went to the beach this Summer, we built castles in the sand and smoked DOPE by the water.”
“Hey baby, I’d love to hold your dirty hands.” Better yet let’s make out and then I’ll make out with your friend and then I’ll watch the two of you make out together. Well, this happens to KLYAMER Glen. Very nice and at a Black Lips show may I add. Speaking of the crowd, the participation is sound, though it seemed crazier in the past or maybe it’s just me? There’s a lot of newbies, which is actually great. Convert em’. Bring your young. Though, I can tell some folks look lost when they play oldies such as “MIA” and “Ghetto Cross” both of which feature Cole on lead vocals and appear on their 2004 trashy masterpiece We Did Not Know The Forest Spirit Made The Flowers Grow. Jared even refers to “MIA” as an “old song.” It has been over a decade since its conception.
Per usual the band closes (or is it second to last?) with the band’s most recognizable song “Bad Kids” only to return for a quick encore featuring a rendition of The Almighty Defenders’ “Bow Down And Die.” For those poor, unconverted souls out there, the Defenders were a punkified gospel supergroup featuring Black Lips and The King Khan & BBQ Show circa 2009/2010.
Another Lips show for the books. I had a blast, one of the best shows all year, but it’s not the same. I feel like it can never be the same again as those initial Lips live experiences 3-5 years ago. It’s like the excitement of Christmas morning or an annual family vacation. It’s hard to reignite that same spark that drove you crazy in years prior. That sensation wears off as you get older. And now being wrapped up in local, underground music the feeling of warmth and intimacy in a show is a quality I greatly desire and one rarely obtained at bigger rock shows such as this.
Nonetheless, the Lips rule, forever my favorite. I can’t wait to see these Atlantans again with The King Khan & BBQ Show!!! What a double feature, a true rock ‘n’ roll show coming to you this fall…
I recognize that this is an extremely long review, but thanks for reading if you are reading. I hope you had fun. Ultimately, this is for my own collection. Documentation. Whether you can proudly hold the first Die Slaughterhaus pressing of “Ain’t Coming Back” 7″ (2001) in the palm of your dirty hands or you just got turned on to Underneath The Rainbow through your hip friend, OR you tapped into their discography somewhere in between like us (2008 for us). Whatever the case may be, I hope you’re having fun and appreciating all of the wonderful music being made around you, regardless of internet hype, fame, or peer pressure. It’s only rock ‘n’ roll.
Punk Slime All Of The Time.
Set-List (by album): We Did Not Know Forest Spirit Made The Flowers Grow (2004):
“MIA”
“Ghetto Cross” Let It Bloom (2005):
“Sea Of Blasphemy”
“Dirty Hands”
“Not A Problem”
“Punk Slime” Los Valientes Del Mundo Nuevo (2007):
“Buried Alive” (though Sea, Dirty, and Not also appear on this live recording) Good Bad Not Evil (2007):
“O Katrina!”
“Bad Kids” Arabia Mountain (2011):
“Family Tree”
“Modern Art”
“Raw Meat”
“Go Out And Get It” Underneath The Rainbow (2014):
“Drive By Buddy”
“Make You Mine”
“Justice After All”
“Boys In The Wood”
“Smiling”
ENCORE
Non Album:
“Bow Down And Die” (The Almighty Defenders “cover” from The Almighty Defenders, 2009)
Am I forgetting anything? Let me know. Overall, a diverse set list with songs from all over their fifteen year long career.
Check out this video of the Lips playing “O Katrina!” at the show. Shot by KLYAMER Joanna!
Hot damn, look at this line up! So many KLYAM faves!
LINEUP (SET TIMES TBA): 28 Degrees Taurus, Abadabad, Atlantic Thrills, Beware The Dangers of a Ghost Scorpion!, Black Beach, Creaturos, Dinoczar, Doug Tuttle, The Fagettes, Fat Creeps, Ghost Box Orchestra, Gymshorts, Magic Shoppe, The New Highway Hymnal, and The TeleVibes. In bold are my personal favorites. Purple bolded are KLYAM Records bands.
The show is being presented by Illegally Blind, the work of one Jason Trefts, and Trefts is also the man behind a sea of shows in the Boston area including last year’s first annual Fuzzstival, which was a hoot. This year will be even greater.
The whole shabang takes place on Saturday, August 2 at KLYAM’s favorite aboveground venue The Middle East in Cambridge. Upstairs from 1PM-5PM. Downstairs from 5PM- 1:30AM.
For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1501237970104061/
In the meantime, while you’re twiddling your thumbs in anticipation, you can read our review of last year’s festival, written just minutes after the festival itself in a shamelessly drunken state of mind: https://klyam.com/2013/08/11/review-boston-fuzzstival-81013/
Or better yet watch this live video shot by fellow KLYAMER Joanna
Bands: Couches, Sneeze, Gymshorts, Durt Dog the Band Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 Venue: Wilder Zangcraft (Lowell, MA)
Durt Dog the Band – Ahh back in Lowell, my old stomping grounds. It’s nice to be back here and with Durt Dog the Band, a Lowell based trio (at least tonight) fronted by Brian Donovan. Brian’s got his durt dog on, he’s durt doggin’ it like it’s nobody else’s business. He’s a folk hero.
I’ve been a Durt Dog fan for a year now, but I’ve never actually had the pleasure until tonight. The set’s sloppy and garagey and that’s alright with me. Guitar feedback, mumbly vocals, and Brian’s ubiquitous grin. I feel it.
“Ashes” and “Things I Do Care About” are just a couple of personal favorites and they play them on this holy evening. The songs come to life more in a live setting and the band sounds thicker, muddier, like a garage punk version of Pavement. Either that or I’ve lost my mind.
Before the final song, Brian quips “We still have to kill your dog,” blasting into a rocker that buries us all. Keep Durt Doggin it until the day you die. http://durtdogtheband.bandcamp.com/
Gymshorts – I promised you in my last post that there would be a butt fuck load of Gymshorts coverage on here and I am a man of my word. For Durt Dog , the crowd is still building up, though let’s face it if you have even five people it feels crowded at the Wilder Zangcraft. Toss a gazillion bodies in the place and it’s stuffed. That’s part of the fun! And for the Gymshorts the bodies are a plenty. More importantly, people are washing down their first forties, cracking open their second, starting to possess a one eyed sailor squint. Hey, Gymshorts are the perfect soundtrack to twisted, drunken youth debauchery. College kids start moshing and hurling each other to and fro.
The shorts shred through a series of gut busting numbers that we KLYAMERS have grown to love in the past few months. I too want to get high and get stoned! I wish every day could be daylight savings, and you bet your fucking ass my favorite republic is banana! Let me tell you about it. That’s how my parents talk. Not the banana thing, but they begin every sentence with “And let me tell you about…” instead of just telling me about whatever topic. “And let me tell you about pre-ejaculatory fluids leading to pregnancy.” I imagine I’ve lost everyone at this point. I lost myself around banana. I am not a journalist, I don’t trust journalists. Music journalism sucks.
Sneeze – First and last time I saw these dudes was here at the Wilder Zangcraft nearly two years ago. They aren’t exactly what I’m into, but I don’t hate them either. Of all the bands, they are definitely the heaviest and during the set the crowd is rowdier than ever. It’s hard to stay in one spot. One girl even plummets straight to the floor. SHE’S OKAY, THOUGH! I especially dig the Deftones White Pony tattoo on the drummer’s leg. Nice undies by the way. http://sneezeus.bandcamp.com/
Couches – This band is on tour from California. They are a long, long way from home. Let’s make it feel like home for them. Still some moshing, but it’s a bit more mellow man. Couches definitely have that laid back, West Coast vibe to them. I spoke to one of the Couches after the show and he said I talk really fast. Couches always tell me I talk too fast. http://couchessf.bandcamp.com/
Heavens to Betsy! The boys in blue had nothing else better to do and this little festivity had to come to a close. No New Highway Hymnal :( .
Bands: Hex Map, Gymshorts, Roz & The Rice Cakes, Battle House Date: Saturday, April 12, 2014 Venue: Fabrik (Boston, MA)
Where is this place? Lord only knows. After racing through the streets of Boston for a solid twenty minutes we finally find our destination, only to discover we have to scurry up what appears to be an eternal flight of stairs. At least we don’t have to lug up a bunch of gear hehehe poor souls. Upon reaching the final floor, there’s a series of enticing portraits and various art projects of some sort – you’re looking at the wrong guy when it comes to art art, if you got me. We scurry some more, see some heads, make our contribution/donation and open sesame, we’re here! This is not what I expected at all. I was picturing a shady looking, little art space. In my eyes, this place is gigantic and filled with people Glen and I have never met before. Brings me back to our early show attending daze.
Shortly thereafter, however, we are greeted by Justin and Roz Rice Cake of Roz & The Rice Cakes – a Providence based rock band we saw a little over a year ago with Atlantic Thrills and Ravi Shavi at the Firehouse 13, also in Providence. Speaking of Providence, a second later I bump into Sarah from Gymshorts and they fucking rock. Sarah clued me in to this place and you know as some scumbuckets say the rest is history. Both bands are playing this evening and I could just wet myself I’m that excited. Let’s go.
Hex Map – I am not a fan of this band. No beating around the bush. Sometimes people say that all we write here is praise and/or ass kissing. That’s not the case. I never hesitate to speak my mind, but the thing is it gets boring to rant and rave and be a know it all, especially when you don’t know it all, cause no one does. So, I’d rather not waste any more space on bands that are not to my liking. I prefer to write about bands I love, because it’s way more fun.
Hex Map is the opposite of what I look for in bands. I want music to roll right through me, jostle me. Hex Map just drones and drags on for way too long. Not sure if you call this prog or psych or whatever, but I can’t stand it. I’m not going to shit on them, for all I know they are fine people. For all I know you may like this music. Here it is: http://hexmap.bandcamp.com/
Gymshorts – These shorts are getting a butt load of love on KLYAM these days or at least they will be. I’ve seen the band four times in three weeks. I think that’s a record for me, then again I bet Fat Creeps could rival that number.
Gymshorts are heavily invested in fuzzy, surfy garage spunk. On stage, they are a lively bunch, hopping around and all about, wailin’, shreddin’, screamin’, and poundin’ – giving the old Gymshorts pound. For all of their feisty delivery and menace, the Bostonian crowd is tame in their appreciation. The audience is split up – I don’t know if anyone knows each other, it’s kind of odd. This is an odd place. It’s up so damn high, the elevation is giving me the creeps.
A zick part of the set is when Sarah Gymshorts darts into the crowd, nearly tackling me to the floor. She could probably kick my ass. http://gymshorts.bandcamp.com/
Roz & The Rice Cakes – We first saw these cakes at the Firehouse 13 for the Ravi Shavi album release show a little over a year ago. This was a special time in my life when I was in college and perpetually exhausted, in another world entirely. I remember them covering The Pixies’ “Gigantic.”
Tonight is their record release show. Need to Feed is 12 inches of wax and the band is very excited to be putting out their first ever piece of vinyl. Congrats! This performance sends me right back to my initial Rice Cakes experience. Hazy, ethereal, very dream like. Dream pop I suppose. Check it out here: http://thericecakes.bandcamp.com/
Bands: Dot Wiggin Band, In Heat Date: Saturday, April 5, 2014 Venue: Lilypad (Cambridge, MA)
Dot Wiggin Band – First and foremost, it’s a pleasure and privilege to have Dot Wiggin of the legendary Shaggs in our city. I’ve been a Shaggs fan since high school, so it’s exciting.
I can’t speak for other fans, but I’ve never been one to say “ohh this sounds so bad it’s good!” I’ve never understood that logic. I am just a fan of “pop” music and as long as I feel the passion behind that music and its pleasing to my ears then I can get behind it, regardless of technique or fidelity. Dot and her sisters created “outsider” rock ‘n’ roll back in the 60s and it is still being celebrated today as this show is evidence of that.
Tonight, Dot Wiggin takes care of the vocals while Brittany Anjou plays piano, organ, and also sings, and bashing away on the drums is Laura Cromwell aka Helen Jr – her mother Helen Wiggin, Dot’s sister was the original Shaggs drummer. Apparently, this isn’t the usual Dot Wiggin Band line-up, in fact not even half the line-up because the other members had other commitments though as Dot puts it “they are here in spirit.” Word, this one night deal works for me. The unusual is only fitting.
The Lilypad is a sweet, little spot and it is filled up with Shaggs/Dot Wiggin nuts. It’s amusing watching these devotees geek out over the Dot. Their eyes light up when Dot and her band rip through classics such as “It’s Halloween,” “I’m So Happy When You’re Near,” “Who Are Parents?,” and the biggest “hit” “My Pal Foot Foot.”
The Dot Wiggin Band isn’t just a Shaggs tribute band. They are their own entity and they have a new album entitled Ready! Get! Go! out now on Alternative Tentacles. Among this new material is a catchy, little number known as “Banana Bike”, very much keeping that freaky deaky Shaggs spirit alive and well.
It’s great to see an older performer that’s out there playing shows and not doing the typical shitty reunion WE OBVIOUSLY NEED MONEY BADLY! tour. I may not be a hardcore Shaggs/Dot Wiggin fan and honestly there’s only a few songs I really love, but I still admire the music as a whole and recognize its place in history. The influence is indisputable. http://www.dotwigginband.com/home.html
In Heat – I saw these Providence dawgs back in September at the JP Drive In. Goodtimes. Indeed, In Heat is massive contrast from the marshmellowy Dot Wiggin Band. In Heat are loud, hardcore, perhaps even death metal, though I am not totally sure on this. They certainly scream their lungs out and it’s a big wall of noise. It’s ok, my ears are dead at this point anyway. In Heat is the nail in the coffin.
Here’s a video of this evening’s performance from the Dot Wiggin Band You Tube Channel:
Bands: Tacocat, Dylan Ewen/Teenage Springsteen, Miami Doritos, Dylan Ewen & The Sulk Scouts Date: Sunday, March 30, 2014 Venue: The Womb (Allston, MA)
Dylan Ewen & The Sulk Scouts – The Sulk Scouts is just one of the many faces of Dylan Ewen. Dylan’s music is often in your face and snarky, but the Sulk Scouts are a bit of a departure. This project stays consistent with Dylan’s sense of humor, but in a light and playful manner. They even have a song called “Handcuffs” about light bondage.
As with my prior Sulk Scouts experiences, the highlight of the show is when the band performs a cover of Girls’ “Lust For Life.” It’s such a dreamy, nostalgic piece of music and honestly it sounds better here than anywhere else, and I heard Girls themselves perform ‘Lust’ twice. The female Sulk Scouts harmonize so well, it’s insane. Totally making out music. Totally.
Another highlight for me is D. Ewen classic “Korean Girlfriend.” That’s the money maker right there. It’s all about the ca$h flow and having a good time. Much more the latter. In any spot, preferably a basement such as this womb here, Dylan Ewen & The Sulk Scouts is a hot band to catch live. http://dylanewen.com/
Miami Doritos – A grimy Allston basement is the perfect place to see Miami Doritos. Up close and personal until it’s uncomfortable, no way! I’ve written about these Doreets several times now, so yeah they’re a two piece (vocals/guitar/drums) and I have a thing for two pieces and so on. Not to mention the fact that this two piece is on my own record label. YEAHH BUDDY!
We almost didn’t have our little Miami Doritos dessert tonight, for drummer Alex has been feeling under the weather this evening. Thankfully, this dorito is a trooper and he powers through a slimy, sweaty set without a hint of error.
This set is chock full of classic Doreets material, like vh1 classic, except not at all. “Price 2 Pay,” “Rush Hour/Piss Take,” “Bike Cops,” “Ice Age Cream,” and more. These are all funny songs, but it’s not a joke. Do you fucking hear anyone laughing, HUH??? Didn’t think so. No jokes. No bullshit. That’s what is great about this kind of music. In fact, most bands that play in basements around this scene. There’s no careerism, at least not overtly. The music isn’t being made to advance a career or some other horrible political motivation. No babies being kissed. I don’t know what goes on in Kurt’s and Alex’s minds, but I am sure there is a constant riot going on.
Dylan Ewen/Teenage Springsteen – Dylan Ewen is back with an impromptu performance under the Teenage Springsteen pseudonym. He is also accompanied by a drummer, a dude from the band Designer. Right on. The pair flash through a batch of fast and feisty numbers including a half assed cover of Violent Femmes’ “Blister in the Sun.” Check out Springsteen here: http://dylanewen.bandcamp.com/ It’s a lot cooler than the other Springsteen, there I said it.
Tacocat – I can’t say I know all too much about Seattle’s Tacocat, but I am intrigued. It looks as though a lot of heads flock out to see these Tacocats. And indeed they eat it up and start dancing/moshing. They’re definitely a lively band and they have a strong sense of lighthearted garage mixed with gritty girl group vibes. Picture Colleen Green as a full band and not just CG with a backing band, but imagine if she was a full band entity. I also feel a lot of 90s rock in them like The Breeders. Lastly, local faves Silkies roll through my psyche, especially with the girl group vibes and definitely in the vocals. I’m going to check out Tacocat more now. Ride that crimson wave over and over again. http://tacocat.bandcamp.com/
Kids Like You & Me (KLYAM) 