Burnt Village / Powerslut / The Guilloteenagers / The Dick Pics
Midway Cafe, Jamaica Plain, MA 10/22/16
Though it was perhaps many years ago, it seems like it was just a month ago when I first saw two of the bands playing today for the first time.
What’s that you say? According to the date on the live review it was last month?
Well, as I was saying- it was a month ago when I first saw two of the bands playing today for the first time. And though it was a Porchfest in Roslindale, MA (playing in somebody’s driveway, always afraid of someone making a u-turn, backing in and crushing your equipment, along with your aspirations, lifeblood and dreams,) all with just one errant turn of the wheel. I thought that both those bands, Burnt Village and Powerslut showed immense promise.
What’s that you say? According to the review you wrote it was The Guilloteenagers and The Dick Pics?
Well, as I was saying- when I saw The Guilloteenagers and The Dick Pics, I knew I was seeing the future of rock’n’roll. But I never in my wildest dreams thought, that they would reach the heights, soar to the heavens so quick, so fast, for me to see them one day play at the Midway, which is today.
What’s that you say? Perhaps it’s time to put the vodka and beer away? Well, I already have.
When I walk, or saunter, in today- the all-female band The Dick Pics are already playing the slow, country influenced tunes that comprise half their style. Though they do it well, I enjoy it more when they switch to their punk/riot grrl style with the drums rockin’, doing numbers like “All My Friends Are Lesbians (And They Don’t Wan’t Your Dick.)” All about pesky boys not taking no for an answer.
This is only their first real show so they’re still a bit rough around the edges, but then the same thing has been said, many times about my head.
They end with a great version of the Talking Heads “Psycho Killer” just as they did when they were a struggling band- playing in the garage, then in the driveway and now in a place where people can pay to be inebriated!
They might not be the best band in Boston but they may have the best name.
The Guilloteenagers are back to rock’n’roll!
They start their set off with their guitar player, Matt, slamming his guitar into the stage, smashing it into smithereens. Then setting his amp on fire, and riding it, pushing it outside the door screaming, “I am Justin Beiber’s Love Slave” as he collides with park cars and stray dogs, finally rolling into the gutter- burnt, shocked and ashamed.
Actually, his new guitar’s bridge or nut or neck breaks seconds before they play a note. An omen that may portend rough times ahead.
But once he switches to his old guitar and they kick off with “Fifty Seconds,” one of their best songs- we’re off to a punkin’, rockin’ set.
During a pause in one song, he flicks his pick up into the air and catches it, and during a plea for beer for each band member, he changes the lyrics to “Slimedog needs a beer.” Which is usually something I need like another hole in my head, but still greatly appreciated.
They end with “The Guilloteenagers Are Back” followed by a cover song that Matt says is the most punk rock song ever written. It’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister. This is a truly, great song and a great finish to a great set.
And after the set, while I relate to him that I once saw the great, local hardcore band Refuse Resist also cover that song- Matt buys me a beer.
Now, it’s time for Powerslut, a band I was unfamiliar with, but became more than impressed by listening to their bandcamp this week. Linnea, the singer/guitarist, writes lyrics that are so honest and direct that I immediately wanted to review their material. But listening once again to their music, though I still like it, I’ve decided that it falls out of the styles we cover. (Though their music seems influenced by riot grrl and the lyrics are definitely punk.)
Today she’s dressed as a banana, while the bassist sports an excellent Freddie Mercury look, the lead guitarist is dressed like a Spanish bolero and the drummer has on a white suit with red splatter paint.
They play a wonderful set with songs like “My Mission,” a slow, bluesy number with lyrics like “I’m gonna fuck you/ I’m gonna play you like my favorite guitar.”
This is a great band with a great songwriter that just slips out of our grasp but that’s our fault, not theirs; excellent band, excellent set.
Burnt Village is up to take us out. This is metal on the thrash/traditional side. After a few songs I’m thinking of Motorhead, and just then they do a killer version of “Killed By Death.” And if you don’t know who does that song, originally, I’m not telling.
They do some great, headbangin’ metal and I’m really surprised when someone tells me this is their first performance. They have a great, enthusiastic drummer and turn in a great set.
Now, I’m saying goodbye to Matt and Camille, they’re a couple. Matt is the leader of The Guilloteenagers and Camille of The Dick Pics (and they provided the driveway for the Porchfest I saw several years, I mean, just last month.)
I thank them for inviting me to the Roslindale Porchfest, their home, and I was so glad they could come and visit mine, The Midway.
“Yeah, I live in the basement,” I’m telling them, “It also doubles as a S&M dungeon, my other interest besides punk rock.”
They both nod with smiles on their faces as they both gauge, how many steps and seconds it will take, for them both to reach the door.
(Slimedog)
