by Dan Moffat

Boston is still feeling the aftereffects of the Scottish World Cup invasion. Last Thursday, a new challenger arrived: North Carolinians.

Pulling up to a sold-out crowd, southern rock band Harvey Street, with a convoy of Raleighans in tow, cruised through their set at The Rockwell with freewheeling guitar solos and songs about getting high. While the Tartan Army traded in kilts, bagpipes, and soccer chants, this night’s vibe steered towards backwards Oakley shades, polo shirts, and a “USA USA” chant from the crowd. Even though Somerville is 700 miles away from The Triangle, the most common question I heard that evening was: “Did you go to N.C. State too?” 

Singer Jerome Bermudez, with his golden jam band/pop crossover voice, belted beneath a navy baseball cap. Lanky lead guitarist Jackson Reed was frequently given the green-light for instrumental solos, venturing the band into climactic jam outs, featuring behind-the-neck flourishes. The lighting and atmosphere resembled a sunset college beach party inside the basement bunker venue. The show began with Autumn Drive, who trafficked in indie rock tones and rumbling bass. A highlight of the Autumn Drive set was the live debut of their latest single, “Times Before.” 

Harvey Street went to play Cape Cod the following day, but their Somerville set felt like the beach was brought to us.