One of my favorite feelings in the world is hearing a band I’ve never heard before and thinking, “Damn, they’re good.”
I was lucky enough to experience this three times with the first three bands at the Artistic Armory on August 13. The show began with locals Very Much Alive playing heavier pop punk while crowd members pelted each other with water balloons in the alley. I was surprised I hadn’t seen Very Much Alive play before, or even heard of them at all, because they really have their act together. Although it was only their new member Zack’s second show with them, their sound was great and provided a great soundtrack for the water balloon fight.
New Jersey’s Waffle Stompers were up next. Looking more California-born with their laid-back beach looks, they really impressed me with their eclectic genre-mixing ska sound. Despite the lack of a saxophone player, the Waffle Stompers had some of the best stage presence I’ve ever seen, with personality to spare.
The members of No Such Noise, also hailing from New Jersey, had my respect before they even played a note, due to their support of the other bands. The pop punk/ska outfit had an amazing sound, though I found myself wishing they’d borrow the Waffle Stompers’ trumpet player, and let the Waffle Stompers use their sax player. The biggest crowd reaction of their set came with a cover, as a pit opened up during their rendition of “The Reason” by Hoobastank.
I’m embarrassed to admit this, but I missed part of the Bogtrotter’s Union set in favor of an emergency trip to Wingstop for chicken tenders (SO hungry). I returned during my favorite song of theirs “Verbs.” I love the band’s signature blend of folk and punk, which never ceases to be a crowd pleaser, and tonight was no exception. Everyone was singing along or at least swaying to the music. And maybe it’s just me, but the members’ coordinating outfits are always a plus.
As usual, Be Like Max’s energetic set had the crowd pressed right up against the band, everyone vying to sing along. They played old favorites like “Sheep” and “Hand Me a Beer,” along with newer songs like “Peace Is Uncool” and “Bring On the Suits.” They’re currently starting work on their third album, so BLM shows may be a bit scant during that time. I’m excited to see what Be Like Max has in store with their next record, but with the band always getting the lion’s share of the local love in the ska scene, I’m hoping shows without them on the bill still fare well.
-Julien Boulton
Be Like Max photo taken at the Ska Revival Tour by Aaron Mattern
No Comments