PREVIEW: LVL UP w/ FLORIST, KAL MARKS, BRITTLE BRIAN @ GREAT SCOTT (2/24)

Here’s a Great Scott lineup that, somehow, makes so much sense: First, the soft and strong (and especially lyrically poignant) stylings of our city’s own Brittle Brian, followed by Brooklyn band Florist. Later, loud, pulpy locals Kal Marks will open for the ~NYC~ based LVL UP.

With soft vocals, and sometimes really soft guitar-work, a live performance from Brittle Brian could easily cross the line from delicate to stagnant. But it never does. Lyrically, this artist always packs a punch, speaks her mind, and experiments—sometimes on stage, if you’re lucky.

Florist is sure to be the most fitting act to follow Brittle Brian. Touring for their Jan. 2016 release, The Birds Outside Sang, the vocals of Emily Sprague tell stories surrounding gender, nature, pain, and healing in a poetic language all their own. With obvious influences from other Epoch bands (i.e. Told Slant, and eskimeaux— both of which share Florist’s fucking incredible drummer Felix Walworth), Florist delves into the sad, poetic bedroom pop genre like no other. Arrive on time for this set.

Kal Marks, whose track “Coffee” was featured on our latest mixtape, is sure to shake up this show. While Brittle Brian and Florist may ease us into the night with their curious lyrics and sweeping indie pop, I have no doubt Kal Marks will just delve right into their heavy, pounding guitar riffs, offset by crooning vocals. Bring your earplugs.

Once from Philly, but now from New York, LVL UP is going to finish off with a seriously surf-pop, lo-fi, and maybe a little punk Wednesday night set. In any case, their music is gonna make you move. Wait for their fuzzy but tough guitar-work to erupt, and don’t skip over Dave Benton’s unconventional but catchy vocal work.

LVL UP w/ Kal Marks, Florist, Brittle Brian 
February 24, 2016
1222 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston, MA 02134
18+| Doors at 9:00pm | Tix $10