Held Hostage / Progress / The Enemy Within / A Dying Breed
Midway Cafe, Jamaica Plain, MA 11/16/13
So Bang is off doing his hobby- namely, brain surgery. And I do highly recommend him as I, myself, am a satisfied client. Be aware though that he does not accept any form of major health insurance for he is strictly amateur at this point. But he does accept all major wholesalers- Costco and BJ’s and any coupons for major restaurant chains or fast food joints. His motto is: Satisfaction guaranteed or your brains back!
We have a couple of new bands and old bands on board today. Up first is a band that’s becoming a regular here and as an opening first band as well. “We love the Midway,” Josh Barone, A Dying Breed’s singer says during their set and let me speak on behalf of the Midway, “We love you, too.”
This band has seemed to be on the upswing ever since Jaime, from Trans Fats, took over the bass duties. And today is another example as A Dying Breed lays down its potent, pervasive, powerful, pulse of punk with a hardcore delivery over a progressive and metal tinged sound. Lots of tempo changes and slower beats in these tunes but the hardcore intensity is never lost thanks to Josh’s vocals.
His mentioning of his brothers recent passing, the hardcore base as a great community, his communicating in-between the songs as well, shows someone who’s been there, understands and is willing and able to share.
The Enemy Within is next. Just saw these boys last week at the Wounded Warrior benefit and unhampered by the trapeze and unicycles of the last show these guys are ready to rip the joint apart.
And rip they do through their set of hard-hitting, intense New York influenced hardcore. Unhindered by circus trappings they truly shine with singer Joe pacing the floor, guitars and bass shredding the air and mild-mannered Mike pummeling the sounds into submission with his steady, stoic, stupendous beats. Another great set from a great band with an eagerly awaited album coming soon.
Progress is up next and this is only the second time I’ve seen them. Andy recently reviewed their CD and this band is now one of his favorites. (Special discounts to bands!). They are a hardcore outfit hailing from Connecticut and that is all we needed to hear to be interested. This is a young, intense, aggressive hardcore band that is full of energy and never lets up for a second in their ferocious onslaught of sound and fury. And no, I don’t know what Faulkner might think but I think these guys are pretty swell and turn in a hell of a set.
I had heard Held Hostage is good from some people. Note, I did not say “for” some people as a certain female manager of a local band thought I said earlier on-line and then internetally face slapped me. LOL. And what I heard seems to be correct. They are a hardcore unit from Rhode Island whose style is definitely on the heavy side of hardcore- aggressive, serious and metal influenced. Exhorting vocals; churning, rolling drums and grinding, droning guitars are their recipe of destruction. They turn in an exciting, invigorating set that carries the mood on nicely from the previous bands.
Traces Of Empire are the last to take the stage but alas, I am unable to report as I’m due at Great Scott’s for the two day Pine Street Inn Benefit (seven bands each night). And Lenny Lashley’s going on at nine p.m. sharp so I must bid adieu and exit with fast haste. I’m sure they had a terrific set.
Details of that benefit show arriving momentarily- stay tuned.
(Slimedog)
I had a blast filling in on drums for Held Hostage!!