Psycho / Conclave / Gant / Spillers / Whoopi Sticks
Midway Café, Jamaica Plain, MA 6/10/17
This week on TNB, Andy and I get to do the rare, live dual-texting review that we’re known for.
Andy is currently serving hard labor in a Kentucky prison, sentenced for crimes offending facebook. Slimedog was the actual perpetrator but Andy, realizing the importance of Slimedog attending shows, graciously accepted his prison term.
But sometimes he makes furlough and today was a fitting show for him to attend, as the forces of good (Punk) battle the forces of evil (Metal). And after today’s blood and destruction is swept away we should have a true winner.
But, as usual, I must warn others from participating in the dangerous art of dual texting. Unless one has experience and has knowledge of how to survive an African Safari- such as how to suck venom from poisonous snakebites, it’s best not to attempt.
We instead urge you to take a step back, and gear yourself to experience the wondrous, the mind boggling, the affront to reality itself that is known as dual texting.
Slimedog- Well we haven’t seen you since the Xmas party. How is it going in the prison in Kentucky?
Andy- Well I just got out of solitary confinement recently which is why you haven’t seen me for a while.
Slimedog- How come you were there?
Andy- They said I was singing Sabbath tunes too loud at night, but I don’t remember since I was sleeping. Must have been sleep singing.
Slimedog- But when you also started singing them during the day, they gave you a furlough just to get rid of you?
Andy- Well the day guard is an Ozzy fan. The night guard not so much.
Slimedog- And what perfect timing as this is a punk vs. metal show, though according to my notes, the bands will be battling with flamethrowers today instead of musical instruments.
Andy- Gee, that seems dangerous. Should we wear our flame retardant pajamas to the show?
Slimedog- Well I am wearing my lime green flame retardant speedo so as to protect the best part, but I just heard the Fire Marshall was here earlier and that, unfortunately, won’t be taking place.
Andy- Too bad. I guess we’ll have to suffice with the usual bludgeoning with musical instruments.
Slimedog- And up first, and your first time seeing them, is my punk daughter’s band Whoopi Sticks. What do you think of them?
Andy- I think they are very cool. A little bit country and a little bit coo-koo. Your punk daughter makes the band with her drumming and singing.
Slimedog- I was just telling her the story of seeing her play and telling someone in the crowd how it was her first band and how I had told her not to play drums and sing at the same time and the fellow said, “Why did you tell her that? She sounds great.” And Lindsey said, “So many people told me that, that I knew that I had to do it.”
Andy- Well she does it quite well.
Slimedog- I’d say they sound like Poly Styrene singing surf versions of Devo songs. And she has a new band that makes punk music for little kids called The Sewer Buddies. It’s a great concept, initiating young kids into punk music instead of the usual pop trash. Now The Spillers are taking the stage, they’re from Maine.
Andy- Looks like one of the band members has brought their mum and dad out to the show as well.
Slimedog- Well, I did bring Lindsey. These guys play great straight ahead, high energy punk, but I believe what they’re lacking in is a lead singer/focal point.
Andy- Yes, mainly pop punk. Good energy.
Slimedog- There seems to be a good scene in Maine, now. Uncle Spudd is an excellent band I’ve recently seen and reviewed. And now Gant takes the stage, another band from Maine.
Andy- Yeah Gant has the vocal/focal point you were mentioning that really makes the band. And also a better style focus.
Slimedog- I’m trying to figure out if they’re on the side of good (punk) or evil (metal).
Andy- I think you could consider them a form of upbeat punk/hardcore. Sort of like the Bad Brains.
Slimedog- These choppy rhythms make me think of metal but the vocals definitely sound like Bad Brains. I guess we’ll put these guys with the punks as I know the last two bands to play are definitely metal. I guess they’re saving the worst for last.
Andy- Time will tell, but these next guys look like they’ve toured with Black Sabbath.
Slimedog- Yeah, they start out all doom-y but are now headbangin’ a bit.
Andy- Definitely old style Sabbath doom stuff. Sounds a bit like a Volume 4 tribute set. If you like that genre, which I happen to, then you have to like Conclave.
Slimedog- I do, too. Traditional metal with hardcore vocals, groovin’ rhythm section and songs that are not revolutionary but still good. Now it’s time to go Pyscho.
Andy- These guys have been around for a long time. Out of the box they have a grindcore vibe happening.
Slimedog- Yeah, trilling bass, bashing drums, death vocals, short, abrasive tunes. I dig them. They describe themselves as “vicious speed thrash grind.”
Andy- Interestingly, I think they’re sound is more relevant today than ever before.
Slimedog- They were one of the original Boston hardcore bands and are on the album “This Is Boston Not L.A.” I must hand them the set of the day and it looks like evil metal has prevailed once again.
Andy- OK, I’ll go with that, but it was a great show and great to get out to the famous Midway Cafe for an afternoon. Soon the security officers will be arriving to take me back to hell.
Slimedog- Oh, oh- looks like it not quite over. Lindsey just started up one of the flamethrowers and the singer from Psycho as well. This hot show is about to get hotter. Let’s make like a tree and leave! Let’s make like a storm and blow!
Andy- Yikes!
