Kicking off the night was Kal Marks, a local group charged with a totally unmatched bluesy punk style that words fall short of describing. Featuring one of the most unique singers in the city and a captivating dynamism that keeps every song fluid and fresh, Kal Marks is definitely a band to scrap your mundane plans of TV and beer for. Fans were treated to tracks like the yearning “Where A River Starts and Ends” and “Shitty Tree”, and the band kept the set short and sweet.
The Living City, another Mass band, were the unlucky ones whose set was interrupted by the forementioned blaring alarm. Thankfully the brave men in uniform fixed the problem quickly and the emo-punk group reclaimed the stage and solderied through the rest of their angsty set. If your iTunes playlist is still heavily dependent on your high school emo jams, you have to check these guys out. They capture the same sound and couple it with a talent that makes their songs catchy and touching.
Things got switched up a bit when Speedy Ortiz plugged in - instead of early 00’s emo, try crunchy yet melodic 90’s rock based out of Northampton, Mass. Sadie Dupuis provided perfectly nostalgic, moody vocals over the dark, slidey guitar - unfortunately the sound was a bit bass heavy and it was a bit hard to hear her. Besides that, the band’s technical skill and tightness made up for the sometimes muddled vocals and the set didn’t suffer at all.
After collecting money and doling out tapes tied up with sparkly ribbon and adorned with heart stickers all night, Sneeze gave the audience a taste of their new delightfully named album. Never compromising on energy and commitment, the trio launched into a full-force grungy pop-punk tirade complete with signature brutal attack from each instrument. And Sneeze’s energy is undeniably contagious - if you’re not at the very least bobbing your head when they play, you’re probably just an asshole. You can order their tape here and it comes with goodies like stickers and posters...sweet!
-Siobhan Robinson
