It's been a good spring for the underground Terriers at Boston University Central (Das Racist, Titus Andronicus), and they closed the semester with a triple bill that gave just a little something for everyone (At least, for all the non-fraternity/sorority types who would rather rock out than get all gussied up for a formal ball).
"surf-punk nihilism"
The Mrs. Magician formula works: just enough punk (check them neck tats!) to raise your parent's disapproving eyebrow, California ethos on rhythm guitar, and an earnest song structure that begs for you to join the chorus. Done.
"meat-pasty psych-fuzz"
Maybe it's because he's from Leeds and the accent requires some bravado, but Louis Jones pushes Spectrals into a soaring take on "proper" American rock. The band revels in clanging chords, hopping (literally) bass riffs, and banter. Or is that last one just because they're British?
"reverb-gaze rock"
When 2/3 of the singing members are battling laryngitis, Cults face an uphill battle. All the echo-effect in the world couldn't save any band, even a band who's 1960's era production hides vocals well beneath the music, from sounding like a mud puddle. And the lights, reflected on the low-hanging drop ceiling, gave an awkward parent's basement vibe. Sorry, Cults.
Cults Set List
Intro
Abducted
The Curse
Slow Song
Most Wanted
You Know What I Mean
Bumper
Never Saw the Point
Rave On
Everybody Knows (Leonard Cohen cover)
Walk at Night
Go Outside
Oh My God
