Gas Attack / Live Fast Die Fast / Penalty Kill / Burn Burn Burn / Loser’s Circle / A Dying Breed
Midway Cafe, Jamaica Plain, MA 9/14/13
So I was hoping this would be another mind enlightening dual texting review where we discuss the really important issues of the day like coffee and rodeos but Andy Bang’s been called off to deal with that pesky Syria debacle as he is a frequent visitor there. Seems the deal is if we sacrifice Taylor Swift on a holy altar then everything will be right again in this world and I can live with that. Not that I want everything right in the world, I could care less, just the part about sacrificing Taylor Swift interests me, if you catch my drift.
Anyhow, I’m at the splendid and glorious Midway once again. I walk into a wall of sound and it’s A Dying Breed that’s playing. Hey, they must be playing the Midway a lot recently ’cause this is their umpteenth review. Let me say, though they have hardcore vocals the music is slower, more metal, more rhythmically varied with the musicians more than adept at what they play. And the singer, Josh Barrone, is great as well, putting out a “Handsome Dick Manitoba” from The Dictators kind of vibe. Maybe I’m dating myself with that reference but the passion and guts don’t go out of style and that’s how this band is every time I see them. And I can’t wait to see them again.
Now, the Loser’s Circle take the stage and I reckon this is the third time I’m seeing them. They all are ex of Refuse Resist- which recently was one of Boston’s best hardcore bands. Now they play in the flavor of pop/punk. Fear Not!- fellow music lovers; they strike true and strong at the heart of it all. This is the best I’ve seen them and their song, “I Won’t Lay Down,” is really great. So glad to report that they’re recording this song and others on a split with The Radicals as I write and you read. Looking forward to hearing that and looking forward to hearing them play live again.
Burn, Burn, Burn is next and I’m told they’re from Seattle, Washington, home of Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix and most importantly, T.J. The Midway soundman. They have a very friendly lead singer, work in the pop/punk range, have a boundless amount of energy and turn in a very loud, fun set. And it should be noted that no points were deducted for their ironic, handlebar mustachioed bassist.
Next up is Penalty Kill a band who plays a mix of hardcore, metal and punk all mixed up in one heavenly recipe; much like that terrific website TNB. The vocals and lyrics tend to be on the hardcore side with the musicians leaning toward metal. I’ve seen them several times before but this is the best they’ve sounded; more tighter in their playing and focused in their sound. They turn in a memorable performance that only a moron would forget.
Now the main course is being served. Live Fast Die Fast is probably our favorite New York hardcore band and is up there with being one of the best in our area. And from talking with people I feel I’m not alone in my assertion.
They play classic New York City hardcore with a little less heavy, less political take that seems more inspired by the original punk and hardcore without any metal influence. A bunch of great musicians with an engaging, prowling singer they prove why New York is great, besides their great nightlife, deli and pizza and disregarding their terrible sport teams that suck.
This is one of the best bands we have on our site- they always deliver and never fail (unlike their terrible sport teams who, we all agree, suck.)
Now it’s time for Gas Attack, a band I’ve given a glowing review of their CD though I’ve never seen them live. They play traditional metal with humor, kind of like if The Angry Samoans were a metal band instead of punk.
They’re missing one of their guitarists today but they ably soldier on. They play a set that covers the topics of alcohol, alcohol and alcohol and for me; I think that about sums it all up. They do a cover of the Beasties Boys, “Fight For You’re Right To Party” and for that notion I’m enlisting you all. They turn in a fun, funny set.
Six glorious bands, (if you count The Bay City Rollers who performed before I arrived) six ways to visit paradise while enjoying a six pack. Six-six-six is the devil’s calling address and one that all of you’ll be seeing, no doubt!
(Slimedog)
