Crazy Jay’s New Band Showcase Vol. One
Penalty Kill / The Old Edison / The Few And The Far / SFO
Midway Cafe, Jamaica Plain, MA 6/17/2012
This is a new idea by Crazy Jay Genoa of Red Line Rebels fame, namely, to have a monthly show of new or fairly new bands at the Midway. Since his brain doesn’t work too often, this is a momentous occasion. This was the first one, I believe, and it went very well and had a good turnout. So new punk bands- heads up, get in touch with this man.
I’m used to shows going on late at the Midway and there must have been some problem since this one went on time! I’m sure they’ll be able to alleviate whatever went right today in the future; but because of this unforeseen mishap I miss Jamie Payette’s solo set. Jamie has been the bassist for the soon to be no more, but still, one of my favorite local hardcore bands, Refuse Resist; so I’m guessing he did all right.
The first band I do see is called SFO. This is a straight ahead, (no, not straight edge), hardcore band with a good frontman and good songs, as well. They have the crowd moshin’ plenty with a young girl hanging off her big guy friend’s back. It’s funny how people worry about people getting hurt when everyone is always so cautious and helpful with each other. I notice girls flinging themselves into the pit and the boys are careful not to hit them and bounce off another guy instead. Anyways, I’m shocked when Jay tells me, after the set, that this was their first gig. Maybe a few rough edges but they appeared confident and at ease; definitely a band to watch and my favorite one today.
The Few And The Far are next and I’m told are really a band doing a reunion show of sorts. I do recognize the singer from a band called Taxi Driver, a band I’ve seen and enjoyed before. I believe that he’s a good frontman as well. They do more a form of anthemic hardcore, a little slower on the tempos, but deliver a good set and the crowd seems to really like them.
The Old Edison is next. This is a band that consists of violin, banjo, acoustic guitar, electric bass and mandolin. They don’t use any mikes or even the stage when singing, just gather in the middle of the floor and wail away. It’s like witnessing a bunch of friends at 3 am. in a kitchen at a party, drunkenly singing some old songs. But these folks do mostly originals like, “Go Fuck Yourself,” and are very impassioned about what they do. At first I didn’t much like these guys but I enjoy them more each time I see them and they’ve finally got me sold.
The last band up is Penalty Kill a fairly new band whose frontman, Sean Tuohey, was previously in the hardcore band, Double Minor. Their name is in keeping with the hockey tradition and Sean is usually seen wearing a hockey jersey. This band is bit more heavier and metal influenced than his last band but still stays in the hardcore style. I’ve caught them once before and they now seem more focused on their style and have improved since I last saw them; another band to watch.
Today, I’m dressed very formal, with my good shoes, dress pants and actual shirt instead of a t-shirt. I told Jenn Jammies, the diminutive door lady, that I thought it was an opera show today but actually, I’m off to Electric Rich’s daughter’s high school graduation party where the music was not as good (a dj playing old disco).
I hope to catch Jay’s new band showcase each month.
(Slimedog)
