What have you done with the last two years of your life? Dan Goldin, with help of friend Dave Spak, of Exploding in Sound records has put out 12 releases and counting in those two years. Since they first signed Pile in October 2011, Exploding in Sound has been curating some of the best bands from as near to our hearts as Boston, to as far as Switzerland.
Most of the Exploding in Sound bands, or as I like to call them, family, convened in Brooklyn’s Silent Barn. Silent Barn has the feel of a DIY show house, but luckily there are no worries of Boston cops shutting it down. Filled with balloons, everyone from friends and family of the bands, to diehard Exploding in Sound fans, to people hearing the buzz surrounding the showcase, filled the small space quickly. The space reached capacity right in the middle of Krill’s set, which was the first of the day.
Although we are all aware of Krill’s first two full lengths, Krill is the newest addition to Exploding in Sound. They announced at the birthday party that they would be releasing their Pile concept EP on EIS in early 2014. An event like this epitomizes EIS’ presence in our music scene in Boston. One band can inspire so much power over others.
Two Inch Astronaut was the only EIS band at the birthday bash representing the label outside of the northeast, hailing from Maryland. Disco Doom (Zurich), Geronimo! (Chicago), and My Dad (Chicago) are the remaining bands outside the northeast who sadly couldn’t attend. Sam Rosenberg of Two Inch Astronaut mentioned that they didn’t deserve to be there, which is far from the truth. This band represents true rock greatness and simplicity to the core. They don’t even use any pedals when they play.
Grass is Green returned to Silent Barn, where they recorded their upcoming album, for the celebration. Although Pile was the first band signed to EIS, Grass is Green’s “Ronson” was its first release. They unknowingly played my two favorite songs “Jesse’s Fashion Show,” which shows off Jesse Weiss’ best skills behind the kit and “You’re Yawning All Over My Baby,” which evokes otherworldly spastic dance moves from every crowd they play to.
One of the most powerful sets of the day was also the least heavy. This crown belongs to Palehound, the brainchild of 19-year-old Ellen Kempner. It has been a long time since I was truly inspired by watching someone play guitar, and I was utterly mesmerized. Kempner said, “You know what sucks, going on after Grass is Green,” which although the Boston act is hard to follow, Palehound did a damn good job of it. They played many songs off the new Bent Nail EP, which is out October 22nd on Exploding in Sound. With a mentor and friend like Sadie Dupuis, Ellen Kempner will go far. The world will watch her rise.
Kal Marks played a set harder than I have ever seen them play, which I swear I just said last week in my review of their release show. Ovlov played a perfect set right after Kal Marks, and another magical moment occurred when Sadie joined Steve Hartlett for the many Ovlov tracks she lends vocals on. One of two acts I had yet to see live, Porches, is at first thought a strange member of the Exploding in Sound family. A rare occurrence in the EIS repertoire, they have a keyboardist, but Porches proved their unique sound again with a performance that brought one of the rowdiest crowds. This was more or less their hometown show. All of these acts brought their entire cavalry of tricks for the celebratory event.
The most intimate performance of the night is crowned to Sean of Fat History Month, who played a solo set to the packed Silent Barn. Everyone wanted a piece of his genius, so the crowd found themselves piling onto the stage itself to watch him up close. This performance was hard to follow up, but Roomrunner was just the band to do it. Roomrunner was the only band of the night that is not a member of EIS records, but they might as well be tied to the label by the feet. They have nothing but love and undying support for their friends on the label. Things were (literally and metaphorically) heating up during their set, and Bret Lanahan on drums was so soaked in sweat, that I left feeling extremely uncomfortable.
Time after time, I gush over how much Pile means to me, and this day, I learned I am far from alone. Pile is the true backbone of Exploding in Sound records. They were the first signed, and they will be the last ones standing (but let’s hope it never gets that far). Every band that played tonight is inspired by them, and I don’t think a single member of any of the bands disappeared from Silent Barn during their set. The crowd was getting so rowdy, that bassist Matt Connery formed a human wall with his shirtless body to prevent the crowd from tumbling over on top of the band. It was so hot inside that Pile was literally dripping.
After eight hours on our feet, a marathon that Sadie Dupuis herself suggested should have been sponsored by Dr. Scholl’s, Speedy Ortiz took the stage to cap off the party. They played four new songs, two untitled, “Oxygal,” and “Shine Theory,” to best represent what EIS does: showcase great music from newer artists. Their set was also filled with many songs from Sports EP, their only EIS release. Per usual, they did more than just perform their songs and had a lot of fun on stage. Mike Falcone cracked sets of jokes with Sadie Dupuis. I don’t know whose idea it was to give Mike a microphone, but bless them. Matt Robidoux danced with Jonah of Krill in the audience, and at one point taped a knife to his guitar to stab at the balloons.
Many only know Exploding in Sound as the label that put out a Speedy Ortiz EP, but the label’s presence in the DIY reaches much deeper than that. It is deep under the rat-infested streets of Allston. It is deep under the vegan pizza-infested streets of Brooklyn. Most of all, it is rooted deep within our hearts. Happy second birthday, Exploding in Sound! The greatest is yet to come.
