capsule review

Saturday night went to Providence and got to see a bunch of good punk bands at a private party in a dark warehouse rehearsal space that was made to hold 10 or 15 people and was holding 35-40.

Bands seen:

The Agitators — 15 and 16 year old Clash/Ramones/Social D worshippers who BLEW ME AWAY with originals and covers (Beat on the Brat, White Riot, Ring of Fire — they opened with Clampdown). This was like those moments in ’77 when people saw an act on Friday night and were fronting a band on the following Friday. Lead guitarist is like johnnylexicon with braces, chops, and charisma to burn.

The Goners — Crampalicious power trio with a 6’9″ drummer who dwarfs his kit. Cool As Shit.

The Declined — Hard to categorize. Female fronted band (she looks and dresses like she should be cheerleading) with an extraordinarily quirky style — a little B-52s, a little X-Ray Spex. Not sure how I felt about the band as a whole. The bass player, Salty, was slamming though — playing a Danelectro longhorn bass. Again, maybe 17 – 18 years old, clearly the bass was the lead instrument in this band.

Engine Room — My buddies. Four piece metal-punk hybrid (they cover “The Trooper” by Iron Maiden as well as “That’s When I Reach For My Revolver” by Mission of Burma). Love these guys. We all became quite drunk last night (my fault, I fed them bourbon).

For What It’s Worth — Polished near-hardcore three piece with amazing Jennifer on guitar and vocals. Also a favorite of mine. Loud Fast Rules!

I was more than a little drunk at the finish, and crashed in Providence. A night of Magners hard cider and Jim Beam will do that to you.