Our FNX homies over in Lynn have a knack for rooting out great local talent, they’re even better at putting on awesome rock shows. Not very good at jogging, though. Not at all. This Friday, August 8, they’ve gathered five of Boston’s best rock bands for a spectacular blowout at the Middle East Downstairs—and if you don’t believe that “best bands” part, there’s empirical evidence to be had: Here’s a pre-program primer of the night’s lineup.
The Everyday Visuals, “Dance and Holler"
If you’ve ever wondered why your requests for happiness seem to always get tied up and delayed by an impenetrable bureaucratic rigamarole, you might want to check out the new video from the almost-dangerously-charming Everyday Visuals. (And the making-of video they’ve posted to boot.)
Hooray for Earth, “Cellphone (Kidwolfman Remix)"
If you haven’t heard the original version of the title track to HFE’s most recent EP, pluck thyself with a pin and see if you feel it. What’s going on over there, anyway? Established fans of the track will appreciate this Drukqs-y reworking from Connecticut’s Kidwolfman.
Passion Pit, “Smile upon Me"
What sounds like Madonna’s “Get Together” through an apartment wall eventually tightens into the hard-stomping dancefloor stupendousness that Passion Pit has quickly become loved for. Just look what they do to a room full of Yalies in this clip! (For a bonus treat, search the Tube for “Old Guy Dances to Passion Pit.” Dance democracy at its for-realest!)
Harris, “Fits”
Fans of Sonic Youth, the Dismemberment Plan and, well, Harris will just about freak upon hearing the batch of songs freshly released by DV’s Records out of France. A split LP with Spudgun, Tales from the Split Vol. 1 finds Harris at their grandest: huge guitars, jaggy figures (that qualify as hooks), and seemingly unsappable brute-force energy. Zut alors!
Thick as Thieves, “I Heard a Pin Snap Loose"
While Thick as Thieves is locally regaled for their mega-adventurous guitar rock, “I Heard a Pin” is a gorgeous little acoustic number putting due emphasis on the sweet tones of Tyler Littwin’s vocal. It’s hard to fathom a prettier song coming out of Boston this year. Curveball aaaand strike!
