#allston pudding

Concert photography as apart of Allston Pudding (Boston, MA / 2013)

Not many artists can successfully start a show with a cover of Life is A Highway, but (Sandy) Alex G really knew how to get the crowd going this past Sunday at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston. On his second to last stop promoting his full length album from last fall, Rocket, Alex Giannascoli had no problem making the crowd cry, mosh, and dance throughout his performance. There was a sweet touch of country infused in the Philadelphia singer-songwriter’s set, getting the crowd grooving through the whopping 20+ song set list. Ranging from hits like “Bobby” to a cover of “What’s My Age Again?” by Blink-182; there was a little something for everyone.

A large population of Boston’s and Allston’s DIY scene could be found at the venue, crooning along to every song. The club was packed from the beginning of the show, as Allston’s sweetheart Sidney Gish was the first opener of the night. Gish closed off her set with her dreamy hit song, “Not but for You, Bunny” off of her 2017 album No Dogs Allowed. Following Gish was Half Waif, an indie pop solo act who had the crowd grooving along to every synth infused beat of her set. This balance of femmes making beautiful music in their respective genres was nice to see with Alex G as the headliner. The choice to showcase femmes in the music industry is one to take note of, and I’m personally glad that this wasn’t a bro show when it easily could have been.

From his performance alone, you can understand the importance that guitar plays in the four piece set that is (Sandy) Alex G. Giannascoli spent the majority of the time facing the band, focusing on how he was playing his guitar rather than how he was performing for the crowd. It needs to be said here that even though the crowd wasn’t seeing his face, they were enjoying every single second of the show. The moments with the highest energy began during his performance of “Brick” when a mosh pit started with the heavy noise rock track. Following was “Horse” another noisy instrumental track that had Giannascoli so pumped that he dove through the drum kit and started banging along with his band mate.

Finishing up the predetermined set list, he asked the crowd for last requests that hadn’t been played and a barrage of twenty somethings were screaming random words aloud. I personally have a huge sweet spot for his song “Mis” off of the 2015 album Rules, so imagine how happy and emotional I was after finally getting to hear one of my favorite songs live. All of these songs have so many meanings and memories, and being able to dance along to them in a crowd full of people who love these songs as much as I do fills me with an overwhelming warmth.

His bright tinge of country in this album was ever so prevalent during the live show, with an electric violinist playing the sweet sounds that really differentiated his previous works to that of Rocket. Giannascoli kept up with a (frankly strange) character of a country bro throughout the set whilst stomping around with his guitar, but it added to the charm that every Allston rat in the venue was looking forward to seeing. We were all somehow transported from Boston to a weird DIY barn house. It does happen to be the year of the cowboy anyway.

It was the first concert and/or bar I’d attended since quitting drinking.  I wasn’t sure how it would pan out.  I tagged along with my roommate to drive from Allston to Providence to catch a mutual friend’s jam band headline at Alchemy Bar in Rhode Island’s capital city.  I came to the show with a headache and feeling like I was going to crash at any moment.  I took several cigarettes breaks during the first band’s performance to be honest; it just wasn’t really my speed.  I found out last minute there was a second band performing before my friend’s band headlined and as I trudged onward further and further into the night, my social circle began debating if we should just leave then and face the hour drive home.  However, we didn’t make up our minds before the second band was up on stage and ready to showcase their talent.  I didn’t even know the band’s name at that point.

The ensemble hit the ground running with a wall of sound.  Within the first song, “Moon Cats in Taxi Cabs,” several people grabbed a copy of their EP, which was recorded at the Bridge Sound and Stage in Cambridge.  I knew then that I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to write an impromptu review. The three-piece’s sonic qualities were packed into tightly performed riffs, immediately evoking equal parts Tool and Led Zeppelin to mind.  They had a jam band mentality akin to the Grateful Dead, with songs spanning ten-plus minutes, much longer than the studio recordings I checked out the following morning.  Vocals were sparse, but well-placed and very grungy.  I was reminded of Superheaven in this aspect.  I took not a single cigarette break in their three-round, 45 minute performance.  I was enthralled.

After the set, I spoke with the frontman, Reilly Somach, a former Allston resident and current citizen of Beverly.  The band he led that had just given me a second wind of energy went by the name of the Rupert Selection.  I wanted to hear more.  He was very charged with energy after his set and thanked me for attending with a hug and a handshake.  I ensured contact information was exchanged because this is a band I wanted to see grow and flourish further and further.  They’re a tad heavier than your typical Allston basement band, but I feel they could fill any basement in the neighborhood if promoted properly.  They recently recorded at the Converse Rubber Tracks studio, which bodes well for their place in the Allston scene.  I look forward to what the future holds for them and hope to grow with them as I learn to attend concerts sober for the foreseeable future.

Watch This: Vol. 160

The past seven days have been comprised of great live videos featuring the likes of Trentemøller, Craig Finn & The Uptown Controllers, Slow Caves, Slothrust, Horse Jumper of Love, Helado Negro, Josh T. Pearson & Arianna Monteverdi, Downtown Boys, Nana Grizol, Operators, Sinai Vessel, Pixies, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Tall Tall Trees, The Smith Street Band, RVG, Preservation Hall Jazz…

DIIV & Pill // ONCE Somerville // 11.17.16