Done With You / Loser’s Circle / Order Of The Circle / Damn Kids
Midway Cafe, Jamaica Plain, MA 2/6/15
This was an interesting Friday night recently at the Midway Cafe. You see, one of the most popular and best Boston hardcore bands just a few years back locally was Refuse Resist. They ceased to be when lead singer, Shawn Refuse, moved to New York.
Once there he did start his own band known as Done With You and back in Boston, three of the four remaining members started their own band, Loser’s Circle, more in the pop/punk style instead of hardcore.
So this was, as far as I know, the first time both bands have shared a bill and it was a fun night.
The following is a dual texting live review exercised by Slimedog and Andy Bang. Unless you are as unqualified, uninformed, disreputable and ill-reputed as they are- in no way, shape or form should you attempt this if you have any concern for your physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
So sit back, relax, let the daily worries wash off you as reality dissolves, time loses any meaning and your senses lapse together in one sensual, surreal cortex of space and sound that we like to call dual texting.
Slimedog- So according to my impeccable notes this is a Refuse Resist reunion show.
Andy- Um, not quite. I’m pretty sure Shawn Refuse refuses to perform with Refuse Resist and also claims that he is done with you for some strange reason. What did you do to him?
Slimedog- Well you’re right about him refusing to play with them but Done With You is his new band and most of the remaining members created Loser’s Circle- both are playing tonight.
Andy- Oh that makes a lot more sense. But it’s too bad that Refuse Resist isn’t playing as well. They were such a good band.
Slimedog- Oh, they were. Shawn will play on the same bill he just won’t play with Loser’s Circle. I even hear they have separate dressing rooms tonight.
Andy- Maybe he just doesn’t want to play with a band that has “loser” in their name.
Slimedog- I think it’s just an intense hatred of every fiber of their beings. Ever since they kicked him out of the band and made him leave the state. In fact, if he plays with Loser’s Circle I will ride Simon (Pet giraffe) naked through the streets.
Andy- Hmmm, that might be interesting to watch. I mean you riding through the street on Simon naked. Especially with these low temperatures. Talk about shrinkage. But I digress. What’s the deal with the first band, Damn Kids?
Slimedog- Yes, I’m told they are the children of the band Damn Broads.
Andy- Through artificial insemination no doubt.
Slimedog- That can’t be right. These guys look older than us! Add the three Damn Broads ages and you get one of them!
Andy- Hey isn’t it illegal to play rock’n’roll above a certain age?
Slimedog- I don’t know ask Lemmy or the Stones. But I really shouldn’t pick on them. I have to slip a fiver to the security guard at the home so I can get to these shows.
Andy- What is it they say about aging rockers? They never really die, they just start to smell really bad … or something like that.
Slimedog- Well I’m glad enough to be far away not to smell them but happy to be near enough to hear them. They’re from New York and play old school punk from back in the day.
Andy- Yes, the nice thing about old punk is it’s a lot quieter so we don’t need our ear plugs.
Slimedog- Not me, I say turn it up! My hearing aid that is. Hey, now it’s time for Order Of The Circle.
Andy- Order Of The Circle. I bet the name has some hidden meaning. Sort of like the Circle Jerks.
Slimedog- Yes the name sounds like one of your profound metal bands. They say they are a mix of prog and punk.
Andy- Cool sound. Finally a band I can relate to. Hang on, I think I’ll attempt a few of the new dance moves Simon taught me.
Slimedog- Those moves are too fancy for me. Though the medley they ended with that included “Push It” and “Anarchy In The U.K.” was interesting. BTW, that was a good idea you had, getting Simon that fire-resistant suit.
Andy- Yah, now if he spontaneously com-busts the suit will contain the flames so he’ll be reduced to a cinder, but we’ll all be fine.
Slimedog- I’m sure of that. Hey, I’ll set my hair on fire if that happens. Now it’s time for Loser’s Circle.
Andy- Huh? Another band with “circle” in the name? WTF, why not some other geometric shape like loser’s rectangle or even trapezoid?
Slimedog- Well as they say- a nose by any other name would still smell. These guys always do the pop/punk really well but tonight they seem even louder and rougher.
Andy- Yeah nice pace and vibe. These guys really rock. I guess they were right to send Shawn packing.
Slimedog- O-Oh, He’s singing “Why Am I Still In Massachusetts” with them. I know I shouldn’t have shown him what I texted you.
Andy- But he’s not still in Massachusetts. Shouldn’t he change the words to “Why Aren’t I Still In Massachusetts?”
Slimedog- Or why am I questioning this while I am living in New York while I’m singing in Massachusetts about how I am still living in Massachusetts but I’m not because I’m still living in New York. Maybe why am I back in Massachusetts singing this song like I never left? Too confusing- I’m done with this and here’s Done with You.
Andy- Well at least it’s not another band denigrating geometric shapes. But they do kinda make me wonder who the ‘you’ is they’re done with …
Slimedog- It’s supposed to be taken positive not negative, meaning the music is not complete without the audience input hence, Done With You (this is actually true). Well it looks just like as in Boston, Refuse Resist we’re one of the top hardcore bands in Boston, it would appear that Done With You are also one of the top hardcore bands in New York.
Andy- Oh, I see, sort of like “To Sir With Love.” Speaking of which how great it would be if Lou Miami was still doing his thing. I miss the good old days. For some strange reason I’m feeling rather nostalgic this evening.
Slimedog- Yeah like when Simon didn’t always catch on fire. Oh, no! There was a lightening storm outside and he got hit! His suit is in flames and he’s careening around the mosh pit.
Andy- Oh, wait, I’ll go get the marsh-mellows and perhaps you can find some weeners to roast.
Slimedog- What a splendid idea! Why let a glorious night of music be marred by one mishap? Oh, I forgot about the bet I made earlier.
Andy- What bet?
Slimedog- I have to set my hair on fire and ride Simon naked through the streets. Ta ta!
Andy- Good luck with that. Not quite the kind of weener I was hoping for…
