If you went the traditional American high school route, you probably know how much prom sucks.
It’s not even just the actual dance part that’s hellish, but the weeks leading up to it, too. When every self-conscious, angst-ridden teenager feels the pressure of finding a date and ill-fitting outfit, to then fork over their hard-earned money for a ticket to lob their scrawny body around a dance floor as Lil Jon screams, “bring the beat back!” This can’t be what Springsteen was singing about in “Glory Days.”
More than graceless dance moves, prom’s a time for kids to feel alienated and awkward in polyester clothing. Some high schoolers are wise beyond their years—the truly cool teens out there who take a step back and say, “ I won’t be attending this godawful event.” If you happened find yourself among the more exotic of your own graduating class, well, kudos to you. By now you’ve probably opened up an art studio in Greenpoint.
Most of us didn’t escape prom, which makes Fleabite’s upcoming record release show seem like a mirage of teenage redemption in the middle of a punk rock desert. Fleabite, California X, Vacation, Pretty Pretty and Digital Prisoners of War—did we say evening wear was encouraged? Call your mom. Looks like those old bedazzled heels will be useful after all.
It’s all happening at Somerville’s Cuisine en Locale tomorrow, June 23rd. Fleabite will round out the night like some truly badass prom queens, rocking the venue’s disco ball in support of their recently released 7”, TTYL. Featuring members of Boston’s beloved TOMBOY, the band maintains gritty routes of one lateral discography with a hint of playful sweetness and straightforward skepticism that’s identifiable no matter your age. It’s all wrapped up in punky guitars, lo-fi vocals and a “don’t fuck with me” attitude. If only we’d heard it in high school.
Before Fleabite comes garage rockers California X, a quartet who you may have seen play Great Scott last weekend alongside precious Krill and Ovlov. If you haven’t seen ‘em before, now’s your chance to soak up Western Mass sound whose barreling reverb could shake you out even the worst teenage mood swing. Ohio-based Vacation are set to play, and Pretty Pretty, too, but not before Boston’s Digital Prisoners of War takes the stage.
Don’t miss your chance to act out your true teenage fantasy tomorrow at Cuisine en Locale. To live, to laugh, maybe even love a little—and most importantly, dance like no one’s watching. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets: $10. Check out the Facebook event here.