By Toni Tiemann
The tone of the night at Great Scott on July 9 was one of familiarity and feedback. Local rockers Miami Doritos, earthquake party!, Spirit Kid, and Bent Shapes joined forces for a benefit show to support Pretty and Nice, whose van and gear were recently stolen from Lower Allston. Like a lot of current DIY garage rock, there was nothing groundbreaking about the music but also no grounds to complain about it. This frequented formula of garage rock tinged with surf typically lacks complexity by nature, but that comfort zone is why loyal indie followers seem to return to the music year after year when the sun pops out, making the night an appropriate close to a June Monday.
Drummer/guitar duo Miami Doritos kicked off the night. What the band lacked in instruments and members it made up for in power, impressively filling Great Scott with its full sound. Miami Doritos’ performance was less than progressive, but there was a certain satisfaction that came with the conventional riffs and drumbeats. They even provoked a crowd member to channel his inner air guitarist, so that’s a feat in itself.
Next on the bill was earthquake party!, a three-piece band that sound checked by squealing into the mic like a hurt monkey. The group’s lead singer came out looking like a blonde-era Cobain resurrected, but any discernible influence was masked in fuzz. The group had to end multiple songs early due to sound issues or individual mistakes, but they managed to keep energy high on a Monday night nonetheless.
Until this point in the night, the crowd of 30+ loyal Pretty and Nice supporters were more interested in the bar than the bands, but in their defense Great Scott does sell a decently priced beer. Spirit Kid turned that all around. For having three guitars, this band surprisingly had the best sound distribution of the night. Reminiscent of White Fence, Spirit Kid’s music was beautifully comfortable and easily digestible to the most casual of music listeners. The group visibly struggled putting five members on a cramped stage, but the dudes still managed to thrash with efficiency.
The surf punk of Bent Shapes was easily the highlight of the night. From soundcheck through the encore these guys had the whole crowd moving. This gem in the local scene weaved intricate guitar layers with occasional female/male vocal harmonies that are always a refreshing change of pace. Bass player Supriya Gunda stole the show with a clean, racing rhythmic approach. The set was filled with gimmicks, starting with vocalist Ben Potrykus singing into an old telephone receiver for an effect like hearing music through the crackle of an old, dusty vinyl. The group even held a live auction of the drummer’s shirt to benefit Pretty and Nice, which a generous audience member got for $11. Bent Shapes proved against all odds of the night that you don’t need to turn your guitar to 11 or put on a crazy solo to kill it. While their first album was enjoyable, the studio can’t do this band justice. See them if you know what’s good for you.
The whole night made me wonder if Boston is entering a DIY rock comfort zone. Nonetheless, the benefit concert was an important reminder of what’s so special about the Greater Boston rock scene. There’s a sense of all-inclusive community like none other and that’s a beautiful thing.
Keep your eyes peeled for Pretty and Nice’s stolen equipment. Most of the equipment has an ampersand (&) painted on it. If you have any information, contact the Boston Police D14 or prettyandnice@gmail.com.