For a few years now, I’ve heard about the legendary basement shows in Meat Town USA, the city that breeds punk bands like Thursday, Lifetime, The Ergs, and the infectious, guitar drenching, chaotic explosion called Screaming Females. The 3-piece performed with Ann Harbor, Michigan’s, The Pussy Pirates, Slaw, and Invincible Gods, my first house show on September 16.
I would be in for a treat. As the night went on the room would fill with eager fans ready to dance. At 7 p.m. the show began with a fast, catchy punk set by The Invincible Gods, led by singer Candace. There was complementing vocals provided by the guitarist. She sung and screamed in such a way that made me smile. They started off the night right.
Slaw played straight fast punk. The 20 minute set with by quickly, but got the crowd moving. It’s tough to move around in a basement given the small space, all the items off to the side, and the low ceiling. Nonetheless there was a small pit and a few people dancing all around.
The Pussy Pirates with their mo-hawks and alto and tenor saxophones, drummer in a jock strap, and vocals from everyone provided a delicious punk-fusion. There set was nice, it was fun to watch, dance, and listen to. The five players were all female, except the drummer. There was also so Spanish singing and a rendition of “La Bamba.” Never before I had heard a sound like the one The Pussy Pirates created, so bravo to them. It was an enjoyable set.
The anticipation built for Screaming Females. Before long the band started playing. With all the handle and rawness in her, Marissa played the guitar with ripping chords. The songs are so rockin’ and everyone in the band rocks as hard as they can. It’s always incredible watching SF, even though it was only my second time, I’ve seen video to prove their awesomeness. Tonight they would not play “Boyfriend,” my favorite song. It got pretty hot in that basement and everyone looked to be sweaty, bodies collided, people were singing, and dancing all around. It was indeed a "fun" show.
This is where the do it yourself punk ethic came from. This is the social-political bands came out of. This is the kinda thing helps that keeps me interested in music. Yay, for the basement show.
Screaming Females will play the following area dates before they head off to tour until Mid November.
September 25: Record Release and Tour Kick Off @ Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park, NJ with Hunchback and Full of Fancy. The band will be releasing two new split 7 inches featuring both bands.
September 26: The Fort in Brooklyn, NY with Stupid Party
September 27: Silent Barn in Brooklyn, NY with Neptune, These Are Powers, and Marnie Stern
Also, check out the Pussy Pirates for more tour dates.
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