The latter half of August is a tough time for some people. For some, it’s the existential dread of realizing they slept the summer away while for others, it’s the knowledge that the dredge of college is just around the corner. Mix it all together with the thick humidity of the past few weeks, and it’s just one sticky, overly-dramatic mess.
Fortunately, the folks at Boston Hassle know how to send off summer in style with a show that’s guaranteed to bring just about anyone to a better place. On the bill are familiar bands like Guerilla Toss and The Lentils, plus lesser knowns like Grape Room and up-and-comer Gracie. We’re giving you a blow by blow of the show, if you need a little help getting to know the bands.
Gracie‘s eponymous debut just released a little while back, and though you may know her from Fat Creeps, her most recent effort is much more somber. She plays self-described “bummer jams” that burn slow but hold attention well. Even with only one cassette release under its name, Gracie is steadily garnering notice from the scene, so see her live before she’s headlining sold out shows. Listen to her single, “Jesse” below.
The Lentils‘ music flirts with description. At times it’s just as easy to hear hints of Neutral Milk Hotel as it is Mutual Benefit. Their latest effort, Brattleboro is Flooding, is a brilliant exercise of emotion. Nestled away in their loose, jangling pop are lyrics strange, hilarious, and yet poetic enough for real contemplation. They have an eclectic approach to their lo fi sound, but don’t just take our word for it. We filmed a video for their song “The Bed is the Killer,” a highlight from Brattleboro. Give it a try below!
Grape Room are no different. Both they and The Lentils are from Brattleboro, Vermont so it appears that some strange avant-pop chemical has been seeping into the waters up north. If you’re wondering where you can find your next Elephant 6 fix, look no further. Give em a try a quarter inch down!
Last but not least! At this point, what more can be said of Guerilla Toss? If you don’t know them by now, you’re missing out on one of the more important bands in recent Boston history. Though the band has recently moved to New York and has seen multiple lineup changes over the years, it continually cranks out album after album of a completely unique style of noisy dance-punk.
It’s practically unbelievable that just one band has covered the ground between releases like GTOSS, Gay Disco, and 367 Equalizer while still making them all sound like they came from the same space. They’re live sets are practically legendary here in Boston, and when supported by such a unique bill, you should do all within your power to see this show. I mean, you don’t want your whole summer to be one big regret, do you?
The show kicks off at 8 at the First Baptist Church in JP, and bring 10 smacked bricks (cash) for admission.