[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=1145633112 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=e99708 tracklist=false artwork=small track=1198561549] Tonight is the last night of the preliminary round of the Rumble – after this, it’s just the winners of each night squaring off until only one is left victorious. So just in case, you’d better come on down to ONCE tonight with me and see the Knock Ups… although if I was a betting woman, I’d put money on their return in a subsequent round. This is fast-paced, high-powered garage punk that hearkens back directly to 90s riot-grrl sound. I think you can still claim that moniker even if…
1 CommentTag: rock & roll rumble 2016
[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=1038709307 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=e99708 tracklist=false artwork=small track=1618041431] Alright, listen, I know the doors are opening basically now at ONCE for Night 5 of the Rumble, but the Longwalls go on last so if you were waiting for this particular encouragement to go, you still have time. The Longwalls have been around the Boston music scene, and indeed this very blog, for a few years – so you might already know that they marry Americana with indie pop, twang with fuzz. But if you don’t know, there’s no time to lose, so get going and get to know. You…
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Night 5 is upon us – Abbie Barrett took Night 4, although the entire field was strong. And tonight will be strong as well. The evening is being kicked off by Junior Classics, a bunch of talented musicians from Somerville who make beautiful, delicate, sometimes creepy songs – really, listen to the “where did you go / come find me / come find me” portion of “Eastern Tide” and tell me you aren’t getting a chill. Getting a chill up your spine is a plus, obviously! This particular flavor of indie pop stands out, I think, from their compatriots in the…
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So far, the 2016 Rock & Roll Rumble has had a pattern: the band playing third each night so far has won that night. Weakened Friends, Analog Heart, and most recently, Salem Wolves. Well, guess who is playing third on Night 4? I Was Awake hail from the North Shore, where they write intricate prog-metal songs and eat roast beef sandwiches (or, if they don’t, what are they even doing up there? That’s what the North Shore is for). Their talent and musicianship cannot be denied, and they did draw the lucky spot on Night 4, after all… Come join…
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[bandcamp width=100% height=120 track=2139480903 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=e99708 tracklist=false artwork=small] Night 4 of the 2016 Rock & Roll Rumble is tonight, at ONCE Somerville, and if you’re going (see you there), you’re in for a treat: tonight’s the night Abbie Barrett is playing. Her voice is straight-out incredible, and her songs will crack open your ribs. With songs ranging from wrenchers to howl along with to perfect late-night lonesome road music, she’s bagged a Boston Music Award and is coming for the Rumble crown next. Her band is packed with talent as well, and even though one band can’t be in the Rumble more…
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Okay! Getting in right under the wire with this one, but another band playing tonight, in Night 3 of the 2016 Rock & Roll Rumble at ONCE, that you definitely need to know about: Salem Wolves. They have once referred to themselves as being trashy garage pop, and that is a phrase that is pretty much catnip to me. I would fall on the side of “rock” rather than “pop” if it was up to me, which, since I’m the one writing this post, I guess it is. Throw in this song, “More Weight!,” with its titular reference to the most…
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[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=4227811984 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=e99708 tracklist=false artwork=small track=433488755] All right! Things are under way! Nights 1 and 2 are in the books (Night 1, incidentally, being won by Weakened Friends, way to go), and Night 3 is tonight. So real quick before you leave for the show tonight, let’s talk about Field Day, whom you will see onstage at ONCE. Their songs are catchy and heartfelt, but most of all they’re smart. There’s nothing that grabs me quicker than a smart lyric, and you’d better believe Field Day grabbed me. I am fully and thoroughly grabbed. Go to…
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It’s that time of year again, friends – the annual Rock & Roll Rumble, Boston music institution, is about to get started and guess who, specifically, is getting it started? Our buddies The Digs are very literally kicking the thing off; they are playing in the first slot of the first show, April 3rd, at the Rumble’s new home at ONCE Somerville (RIP, TT’s). Excellent choice slotting them first: their high energy will set the tone for the evening and get everyone in the right frame of mind. Put your punk rock party pants on – if indeed you own…
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