boston

It feels good being back at live shows after so long. My 4 month hiatus, instigated by a new baby, finally came to an end with my of my favorite artists playing one of my favorite venues. The Middle East has had a rough go of it these past few years, and even though this show got moved from the downstairs room, I think it can easily be argued that the upstairs, cozier room is one of the best places...

WHO: Colleen Green WHAT: Cool WHY: They don’t come much catchier, chiller, breezier, and harmonically lovely than Cool. And we’re not just saying that because Colleen Green is a local gal. In her latest effort, Green’s focus is to satisfy and cater to your sweet tooth, whether you’re 2 or 82. There are highlights on this album (I Wanna Be a Dog is just a chef’s kiss), but regardless of where you look, these 10 tracks are fun, poppy, and…cool....

Praise the powers that be, I think I finally understand Ty Segall. I’ve been listening to the man’s records for ten years and think I finally get him. Not that he was that much of a mystery to begin with. He’s a garage-god, yes. He’s hyper-prolific, sure. He’s handy with the axe, definitely. I think it can be said that his records are very good, but with the exception of Manipulator, I don’t think any have quite stuck with me....

What a year it’s been for live shows and what a time to be alive. Many of us took up hobbies during COVID and mine was trying to fill some gaps in my musical knowledge. Boy, did Superchunk fill that gap. Very seldom does a perfect band come along: one with a rich back catalog and a whole approach to making music that seems perfectly catered to your sensibilities. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of Superchunk until a few...

WHO: Abbie Barrett WHAT: I Will Let You Know WHY: We try to promote the local bands here on Ground Control, because let’s be honest, we’re a website of the people. No, but seriously, Abbie Barrett is someone we’re going to be watching more closely because with I Will Let You Know, she has delivered a hard-hitting, catchy, riffarific pop-punk album that’s chock-full of catchy tracks and perfect for the Summer. You know you’re listening to greatness when, after just...

It’s safe to say that the Sleaford Mods are in a category all of their own, and this makes them hard to describe. I know descriptions don’t matter but with this band, it’s kind of fun. Sleaford Mods are a rap group (I think) made up of two British guys whose music sounds like a cockney guy speed-talking about working-class problems over simplistic, but grooving, beats. It’s kind of punk rock in the sense that it reinterprets and simplifies rap...

Photos by Brittany Rose QueenFollow her on IG for the best coverage of Boston area...

Photos by the wonderful Brittany Rose Queen. Check out her IG account for the best Boston area photo coverage...

Photos by Corwin Wickersham...

All photos by Brittany Rose Queen. Follow her on Instagram @rosequeenphoto for her coverage of the Boston...