Opposition Rising / Not A Part Of It / Infernal Diatribe / Neighborhood Shit / DNZL
Midway Cafe, Jamaica Plain, MA 6/24/18
DNZL is a new hardcore/metal band I really like.
As I explained to Mel, the singer, sometimes hardcore paints itself into a corner, I feel. And that’s why I believe a lot of new young bands are turning towards punk.
But this band is more unique. They have changing parts that leads me to lean towards “progressive music” in describing them, a bad word in my book. But with this band, they take elements of punk, metal and hardcore and extract what suits them while going down different avenues to create an awesome, original style.
As I explained to Mel, the singer, I thought of The Doors while watching a video of DNZL, recently on YouTube. And I couldn’t explain why, I thought this, but now I can. They have very soft, reflective parts in their songs that are almost jazzy that then explode into intense, passionate “rock” music- which is much like what The Doors used to do.
As I explained to Mel- did you know he’s a singer? They may not be one of best bands I cover, but they might be one of the most unique. And that means a lot in the style of hardcore today. And they are most certainly one of the best new bands I cover.
And as I explain to all- this is an awesome band that just played a really, great opening set.
Neighborhood Shit is next. I always loose my shit when these guys play.
Meaning- I crap my pants, I lose control of all my bodily functions. Of course, I mean this metaphorically.
Mixing doom with hardcore, grind with punk- this band takes the three style we cover- punk, metal and hardcore (Yes, I know I’m neglecting electronic-flamenco!) and adds some modern influences like grindcore and power violence in the mix to create a style that they can call their own.
This band is part of the gone but not forgotten, best underground site of Boston for at least the last ten years- The Wreck Center. And I will mention the non-musician folks from that scene that I see here today: Joe, Matty, Tony, and sisters Kendra and Anne.
The last song they play of their awesome, intense, exciting set is a rant against gentrification- specifically in South Boston, from where they originated, with Joe and Tony hopping onstage to sing.
Joe did not split his head open during their set, but that was the only slight disappointment I had during their awesome set.
I know it’s a band from New Hampshire next when I see Tino getting set to play drums.
He’s always very active in the New Hampshire scene, his main band being The Cryptics, and he always seems to have a new band whenever I see him. Either way, he is a terrific drummer.
Today he’s with a couple of young cats who do a very able job. Their material seems to alternate between a hardcore beat or a rock’n’roll one, which is more than okay with me. Both the Circle Jerks and Kiss are great bands, I feel.
And they have good front man, too- to go along with their good songs. Great set.
Not A Part Of It is a Eugene, Oregon trio. I think they’re more traditional punk than anyone on the bill today.
This is melodic punk with a few snatches of ska and country (there’s a song that definitely has a county guitar solo.)
And they are a very tight band and a good one at that and they play a great, entertaining set.
They seem to be enjoying their time at the Midway and I always appreciate being mistaken as working there-today by their guitarist- it is truly an honor!
The other bands have been pleading for folks to purchase merch from Not A Part Of It, just to give them gas money, and though they played an awesome set it doesn’t match the good-heartedness from the other bands to do so.
Opposition Rising has been the best hardcore Boston band since TNB’s conception, with, of course, a political outlook. They start with their song “Opposition Rising” and end with “Fuck The World” and “Asshole.”
They play the best set of the day but that’s no surprise and they incite some intense moshing like I haven’t seen in a while.
In between songs the singers says, “The only reason I haven’t committed suicide is I won’t give my enemies the satisfaction.” And later after being handed a beer, “Yeah, it’s great being in a band. People talk behind your back, they talk shit about you on the internet. You make no money though you do put in so much tine and effort. But once in a while, and it makes it all worthwhile, you do get a free beer!”
Joe finally did manage to split his head open and after the last song he’s doubled over in pain on the floor. I’m dreading something serious but it seems he accidentally got a boot to the balls in the pit so he’ll survive, though, he may not bear children someday.
He relates, “I threw up in my mouth a little when that happened.”
My picks for best moshers go to two of the smallest folks there- Dennis on the boys side, Kendra for the girls.
I didn’t throw up in my mouth, believe me, I stay clear of the pit. But I did have a smile on my face for most parts of this show.
Just seeing the local Boston hardcore punk community out in full force and having so much full on fun!
(Slimedog)
