Ez and I had never been to Great Scott before, but it was hideously easy to find–we even scored a parking spot not more than a block or so away on Harvard.  The space is pretty decent, and they even had Red Sox-Yankees on at the bar so we could keep up with the game.  It was, however, very dark and very loud.

First up was a semi-local band, The Casual Lean.  I think they said they were from Bedford–or Medford, I’m not sure.  As you’d expect, they had some friends/family in attendance.  I’ve heard worse local bands, but they weren’t really my cup of tea.  After they’d been on for a while Ezra asked me, “Is this still the same song?”  I think it was–long, loud, meandering songs seemed to be their thing.

Next up was a NYC band called Shelby.  I’d never heard of them before and didn’t know ahead of time that they’d be playing.  They were really pretty good, and I was pleased to be introduced to their music.  Ezra’s first thought was that they sounded like REM.  I can see where he got that based on the guy’s voice, but their music seems to come from an all together different place–more effects and synth, different guitar sounds.  What I heard of their songwriting seemed pretty good. 

Based on the way the show was advertised, I thought Hail Social would be on next, but instead it was Army of Me.  A small contingent had come out for them, and one girl snapped pictures (flash!).  I had heard a few of their mp3s before the show and wasn’t too impressed.  They played well and they are fine for what they do, but what they do doesn’t work for me.  Early in their set, Ezra pulled out a piece of paper and wrote “Green Day.”  They do have that sort of popped-up alterna thing.  I found their lyrics silly–and not in a good or forgivable way.  Their singer was quite the little showman, raising his arm and gesturing out into the bar as though it were packed with adoring fans.  I haven’t quite put my finger on who he reminded me of, but I had flashes of the Alarm and (heh!) Gene Loves Jezebel.   

Then, finally, our unassuming Philly boys, Hail Social, took the stage.  Again, not a lot of people hung around for their set (it was probably 11:15 or later when they got going), but the people who were there seemed fairly into it and appreciative, which was nice after the blah reception at TTs.  They played well, as ever, and we were treated to two new songs, one of which I’d never heard before.  Their new keyboardist couldn’t make it, so we probably heard some slightly pared down versions of those new songs.  I am a shy turnip, of course, and never did ask them what the title of that new song was.  Maybe next time.

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 11th, 2006 at 1:19 pm and is filed under Blather, music. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.