See This World / Pint Killers / DNZL
The Launch Center, Norwood, MA 3/24/18
So Neighborhood Shit were supposed to play this show but dropped off after they heard I was going to attend, or at least, that’s what I feared.
Alex, the bass player for that band, did attend this show. Talking to him, he assured me that it had nothing to do with why they couldn’t play but if I could give him an exact schedule of what shows I was going to attend, it would be greatly appreciated.
And though I really like, Neighborhood Shit, when I heard that DNZL was replacing them, I rejoiced! I ran through the streets with glee proclaiming my spirit to be the resurrection of Jesus! Though, of course, realizing later, that Easter was still a few weeks away.
I reviewed DNZL’s first release ’cause I thought it was pretty great. But when I was them live I was made aware that their name refers to the actor Denzel Washington. And now, at the second show I’ve seen them play, I’m made aware that all their songs concern movies he’s acted in!
As I’ve said, this is a band that shows promise, and I think that’s especially true because of the fact that live they are so much better than their initial release.
Their second song in is a favorite of mine, “Don’t Touch That Girl” and during the set, the music just builds in intensity and excitement.
During one song, Mel, the singer, who though a young guy, has the stage movements of someone more experienced- collapses dramatically onstage with his face pressed against it.
I make a note to myself, to let others know, if Slimedog falls down like that, it does not imply dramatic flair- it means call 911 immediately!
DNZL is an exciting new band that utilizes two former members of the great punk band Tensor, both named John, and have a style that blends metal influenced music with hardcore vocals into a potent, original style. And, I’m thinking, they may just end up playing the best set of the night.
Pint Killers is one of my favorite bands and I always look forward to hearing them.
Emblazoned with the song lyrics of Mark Doherty and the music of Bill Jolliemore, this band combines influences of punk, hardcore, Oi, celtic punk and classic rock to complete a musical picture that draws from many sources but creates something that is true, real, compelling and raw.
They take the best parts of each genre they touch upon and blend it into music that is unique and substantial.
They play some favorites like “Raise A Glass,” to all our fallen friends and “Devil In Me” with the lyrics “A shot of whiskey, a pint of beer.”
Which display the celebration and the deterioration of the drinking life.
My favorite song they play tonight is called “You Got Nothing,” about a a successful sort who can have anything that money can buy, but in the end it seems true, that he has nothing. At least nothing of true value or worth.
But with the songs and performance of Pint Killers, what you get is authentic and emotional realness that translate into real art.
See This World is Dave Tree’s fairly new band and this is also his new art gallery/ music performance place. And tonight this band is playing most of the songs from their latest release “Time Of The Signs” which is reviewed and on-line on our site right now.
The band’s style is a mix of metal and hardcore but they also add heaping scoops of reggae and a dash of rap in there, as well.
In fact, tonight I’m noticing that some of Dave’s stage gestures, who btw is an excellent front man, seem informed by rap. I also notice that the band is superb, especially Big Tim on drums who holds down the beat in a definitive, decisive way. Another talented drummer whose talent equals his size!
Some songs fly by in a hardcore whirl, while others groove along in a headbangin’ or skankin’ way. Though not a stand out on the record to me, “Pressure,” rocks the reggae steady tonight.
But all of their set resounds mightily, musically.
A fitting end to a fortuitous night.
After See This World’s potent set, I see Dave scampering away from the stage.
“I believe in you, Dave,” I call to him.
“I believe in you, too,” he replies as he darts off into the shadows.
I believe in this place and what this place could be.
This is a huge room, maybe holding 1500 or more!
Imagine having a venue this size run by some one in our own community? This place has the vibe of an underground show except it’s legit. This is not the same as supporting a club that has no ties to the scene, this is owned by someone of it!
This place has the potential to be as vital as any underground place we’ve supported in the past (R.I.P. The Burrow). That is, until the authorities arrive. But this place could and should be the real deal.
Long live The Launch Pad, let’s send this rocket up to outer space! Or at least let’s utilize this space for the music, you and I think, is out of this world.
(Slimedog)
