"You can yell out "Afghani Sands," we just won't be able to play it!"
Give me the ten-dollar punk show any day. Yes I know, you prefer the production value, the lights and the pyrotechnics of a world class arena concert, but to experience a sweaty loud punk band in a sweaty loud bar, well the idea itself makes me giddy with anticipation.
The Great Scott is quickly becoming my favorite music venue (not that I'm incredibly experienced with the music scene in Boston), and with shows like these it's easy to see why. It's a little sad to see only a handful of people show up (it's a weekday and the Great Scott's shows easily go until past midnight), but it's a good and excitable crowd nonetheless.
First up were the BFs which I would probably place somewhere between the Sass Dragons and Mean Jeans. They played a short but memorable set, and I became convinced by the end that their smash hit "Food" is a must for anyone's soundtrack at any season. I will definitely keep my eye on this band.
I had the chance to talk to Steven from Something Fierce before their set, and we had a good talk about their latest record, Don't Be So Cruel, which is sure to place in my list of top five favorite records this year. It's quite surprising to see the band explode like they did on stage after finding Steven to be a rather mellow sort. As good as the songs on Don't Be So Cruel sound on record (you must pick up a copy!), the band does exactly what a band of their caliber should do live: stick to basics and speed the songs up. The result is nothing short of brilliant and the band skillfully makes their way through my favorites on their latest record like "Future Punks," "On The Backroads" and the absolutely perfect "What We Need Now."
Finally, the Cute Lepers can best be described as a buzz-pop mod powerhouse; a sound that is starting to define the northwest punk sound. As the Lepers started their set, I was surprised to find a whole entourage on stage including a pair of female backup singers which complimented the band quite well live. I have to admit, their latest album, Adventure Time, has been difficult for me to absorb as some of the hooks that their previous album flaunted are missing this time around. However, the live experience is a different story altogether. Lively doesn't quite describe what happens on stage. Most impressive of all is how vocalist Steve E Nix pulls off his haphazard vocal style perfectly live, accompanied by an energetic ensemble onstage. Every note and beat is perfect and on the spot. It's so striking, that their Adventure Time songs stand out and resonate a little more than they do on record, in fact. But maybe that's the trick with the Cute Lepers; they have to be seen live to be truly appreciated. Luckily, they are still out on the road with Something Fierce for a couple weeks. Don't miss them!
Artist:
www.thecutelepers.com/
www.somethingfiercemusic.com/
www.thebfs.bandcamp.com/
Photos:
To see more of Joanie Bennett's photography, click here .
Tour:
The Cute Lepers remain on tour. Click here for an updated list of shows.
