Live show #3: Barclay House 8th Anniversary Show

Barclay house: Baltimore's longest-running DIY space and one of my favorite venues. It was my mom's birthday, so I missed all but the last four bands. I arrived during Bad Biology's set. Their noisy, My War/Slip It In-era Black Flag worship resonated with me; that's the way I like my hardcore punk.

The turnout was great for this show; it was pretty much a giant party for the Baltimore underground punk/metal scene. This amounted to much less boredom between bands. The next group was Musket Hawk; a solid, newish punk/metal band with a touch of early screamo influence. I dug 'em. Their drummer was pretty awesome.

After Musket Hawk, and being entertained by my inebriated friends, was Philly's noise-punks Nightfall. They were as good as the last time I saw them, when Revolta played with them at Sidebar about a year ago. During their chaotic set I got caught in the mosh, so the recording's a little uneven in parts. It's got that err... gritty, real charm to it!

Lastly was the return of Diablero. While they had some technical difficulties, they played with conviction (especially Mr. Carnes!)  and it was good to see them again after a few years. The basement was packed for their set, which made it that more intense. All in all it was a fun, fitting show to celebrate a mainstay of the Baltimore underground.

Download the show: 050512 Barclay Anniversary

-Ben

Live show #2: Wizard Rifle at Golden West

I arrived at the Golden West cafe in time to catch Dan Ivan's set. I'm glad I did; it was this guitarist playing weird noisy rock stuff with loops. "Weird noisy rock" is an probably an apt description of all the bands that played this show.

Next was Lady Piss. Revolta played with them awhile ago at the now-defunct Hexagon, so I was familiar with them. Check 'em out; they're definitely the best AmRep-noise rock worshippers around. Or maybe the only ones, but regardless they always impress me live. During their set this time this crazy random guy came storming into the Golden West, demanded they stop (they didn't), and proceeded to bring in a bunch of old clothes and food, saying he was sacrificing for everyone there or something. I guess they eventually kicked him out, but it was pretty err... entertaining.


Wizard Rifle, on tour from Oregon, were last. I've seen their name around a lot, being that they're on Seventh Rule, but I hadn't really checked them out prior to tonight. Too bad! I certainly enjoyed their 2-piece sludgy, mathy noise rock sound. The guitarist made really good use of his whammy pedal; something I rarely see. It's too bad more people didn't show up, but Wizard Rifle seemed satisfied after their set. Catch them the next time they roll around!

Download the show: 042912 Wizard Rifle at Golden West

-Ben