Out: Preparing for one H.E.L.L. of a weekend in Cambridge

Protecting your interests

By LIZ PELLY | February 15, 2012

SAFE RIDING The H.E.L.L compilation includes a 16-page booklet of original artwork, like this illustration by Leigh Zoto.

Next weekend at the Democracy Center in Harvard Square, Vermont DIY label Get Stoked! Records and bike safety group Helping Everyone Live Longer (H.E.L.L.) will co-host a weekend with a stacked line-up of Northeast punk, hardcore, indie rock, pop-punk, and emo bands. The weekend is an extended release party for One H.E.L.L. of a Compilation — a double-vinyl comp to benefit H.E.L.L., a direct-action non-profit organization that distributes free or donation-based hand-painted helmets at punk and hardcore shows around town as well as to anyone who gets in touch.

H.E.L.L. was created in remembrance of Gordon Riker and Kelly Wallace — two young Bostonians who were heavily active in the local punk community, each killed in separate bike accidents in 2007. With the vinyl compilation — which has been in the works for the past year — comes a heart-wrenching yet inspiring 16-page color pamphlet of letters from Wallace and Riker's friends, family, and the bands on the record. The pamphlet also includes striking artwork by local artists like Brian Butler and Tofu Squirrel. The 28-track physical release features rare and unreleased tracks by 108, Converge, Paint it Black, Jason Anderson, and more, plus a download card for a lengthier 70-track digital comp.

As for the release shows, Saturday is the louder of the two, featuring hardcore bands from all over New England, like Haverhill's Think Again, plus noisy MA post-hardcore outfit Life and Limb, local punk trio Luau, Worcester hardcore band Foxfires, and seven others. Sunday is a more laid-back line-up, with Scranton pop-punk group Tigers Jaw, folksy indie pop from Providence's the Tower and the Fool, the last-ever performance by Boston's the First Annual, and three more. Vegan baked goods from Sabertooth Bakery will also be available, and as always, all shows at the Democracy Center are booze-free and all ages.

Topics: Live Reviews , Music, Cambridge, Arts, More

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