C.E. Skidmore / Losers’ Circle / The Runouts / Nick The Barbarian
Midway Cafe, Jamaica Plain, MA 1/11/20
Last Saturday night I walk into the Midway and Nick The Barbarian is in the midst of singing a version of “Rock Lobster.” Nick is a solo performer, a kind of hulking guy with arms bigger than my legs, wearing a Vikings hat. Not a fellow I’d want to tangle with but when I meet him later he seems like a jolly fellow, a nice guy.
He sings, plays an electric guitar and thumps a bass drum with his foot. And plays a set of funny, fun songs that entertain that clearly wins over the crowd as it does me. And I’m not just saying that ’cause I feel he might throttle me.
The Runouts are next who I haven’t seen in a while.
They’re a great melodic/punk band where the catchy melodies are backed up with a lot of energy, passion and grit. And though, they sound nothing like them, they do remind me of OC45 in this manner.
They mention during their set that they have a new drummer, but I’m believing they have a new bassist, as well, as I don’t recall them having a female on bass before.
After their excellent set, I ask the singer about this, and he explains, “Oh, it’s the same bass player but the last time you saw us she was still a male.”
I don’t care if I’m being corny or over emotional. I go over to her and express my respect for her and give her a hug.
Talk about a great, local melodic/punk band! Losers’ Circle is next and I don’t think it gets any better than this.
They have their original drummer back in the band. (And yes, I’m contractually obliged to mention drums within each band of this review).
He originally left because of back problems, but now he’s back and it’s better. Not just his back, silly, but the band!
Though they had some awesome replacements during his hiatus, it just sounds so much better, so very right to have him “back” on drums.
“Reunited and it feels so good. Reunited and it’s understood.” Lyrics from a seventies song by Peaches & Herb. “We both are so excited that we’re reunited.” That last line is sung with such a lack of energy- that Peaches & Herb sound very unexcited, they sound like they’re both about to fall asleep!
Then it was time for C.E. Skidmore’s new band to play. I’m familiar with Carianne’s as she and her wife, Gina, are long time fans on the local punk scene. I’m familiar with her solo work and with the drummer-less duo Live Nude Girls. (Ha! Got that drum reference in there!)
She has a perfect voice and tends to write in a more folk than punk style.
She started off her set solo and then parts of her band join in. It’s a sort of local “super group” with Derek Rossi from OC45 and Aria Rad from Coffin Salesman.
The vibe is much more mellow, but it’s very cool. I feel like I’ve just attended a punk show and now, I’m at an after gig party- like at someone’s house or a bands’ practice space where someone is performing music.
It’s a totally enjoyable set. I most liked a song that might be called “Sorry”. There were times when I was reminded of the band Mazzy Star and I was reminded how much I liked that band. And I really liked this band, as well.
Then they did a cover of The Cure’s song, “Just Like Heaven” and just like that I was crying, the tears flowing down.
But I cry often at shows, though, I hide it well.
Some of it is caused by the performance. Some of it is the realization that punk shows and punk, are still around. And part of it is knowing that I really am lucky to be here, as I shouldn’t still be around. That I somehow made it out of the eighties but, then again, punk beat the odds, as well.
Often, I feel like a ghost as shows, like I’ve died and my spirit still haunts these shows.
And you have Andy Bang, most likely, for while I’m still here- so blame him,not me.
And a big part of it, probably the biggest part of why I’m so moved-
Is that I’m just so damn glad that I’m being included in shows like this one- so warm and heartfelt and wonderful as this.
(Slimedog)
