The Soft Drugs
If you’re flummoxed by the dizzying breadth of our rock scene, a good place to start deflummoxing might be the trifecta of Band in Boston podcasts. For two years, Andy Guthrie and Jen Kelley have posted regular servings of new local tracks (“Band in Boston”), exclusive semi-acoustic performances (“The Flophouse Sessions”), and live show recordings (“Boston Bootlegs”). Hundreds of bands (and gigabytes) later, they’ve become the Web’s most comprehensive source for Boston rock — so you may only be slightly less flummoxed. This week, they take over P.A.’s Lounge with a six-day residency. Checkwww.paslounge.com for the complete line-ups; meanwhile, here’s a sampling of highlights.
The Woodrow Wilsons, “Decomposition Song" | August 18
“I hope I hope that those/Who bury me let me decompose. . . . ” It might not sound like the most uplifting song, but JP’s Woodrow Wilsons (members of the hyper-prolific Whitehaus collective) are full of pleasant surprises. Their mix of horns, mandolins, and countrified harmony makes kicking the bucket sound like an absolute hoot.
The Beasts of England, "Broken Bone" | August 19
Who’da thunk that Quincy could sound so drunk and dirty? Okay, well, maybe a lot of people — but it’s nice to have empirical evidence. The Beasts are new on the scene, but their howlingly fuck-all approach to gritty, stripped-down garage should ensconce them in the hearts and iPods of rock folk all over town.
Mr. Sister, “Wisconsin Is Colder Than Russia" | August 20
Amelia Emmet is pricking up a lot of ears with her outings as Mr. Sister. She has a voice that takes the warble and snarl of Joanna Newsom and retrofits it with PJ Harvey’s throaty yowl. Often collaborating with Mike Fiore of Faces on Film and Elio Deluca of Keys to the Streets of Fear, Emmet in her entire scant repertoire has charm, and potential, to spare.
The Soft Drugs, "I Need Space" | August 23
Once-departed local favorite (and former Pedro the Lioner) TW Walsh has returned to Boston and conjured the Soft Drugs. If you’re not one of those ridiculous persons who doesn’t like Tom Petty, you’ll enjoy the Drugs’ rootsy (but thoroughly modern) rocksplosions. Please enjoy responsibly.
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