Its a tricky thing to cover a Worcester Palladium show. I wont lie when I saw it was an 'upstairs' gig my nights enthusiasm tanked. Its a rock show in a diorama show box. Narrow lobby with no site line and a stage that is simply too low. Its not a stage, its a entry way to the venue used for smaller shows and lesser acts and I was shocked to see headliner Silverstein would be playing somewhere so- sub par.
The sound in this area is horrible its not meant for acoustics and although the sound guys do an amazing job its inadequate if you're there for musical depth. The screaming conversations are heard over the band no matter how high they slide- that saddens me. I didn't come to hear girls squawk and flirt- (holla Worcester your a unique crew that's for sure) I came for music. The Palladium is the epitome (second only to Lupo's in Rhode Island) as the filthiest rock club on earth. Hazmat suits required.
I wasn't there for ambience I was there for Lions Lions. The Boston based 'post hardcore' band who has been getting a whole lot of attention in the local scene lately and who's album "To Carve Our Names" has been on repeat with me for awhile. It always fascinates me to see line ups in hardcore shows. You'd think they would book them in order of popularity. If this were the case Lions would have been the Best Man to Silversteins Groom instead of an usher. The room literally shifted forward when Josh Herzer and the boys hit the stage.
It was nice to see Josh up there and in energetic form. He announced 2 songs in that he was returning after the death of his father. Herzer missed a few shows in order to go to Nevada to be with family. A tough life event for a guy with a touring career, the crowd gave respect in hand clapping and at first I found it odd, why applaud a death? Then it hit me, they were applauding Josh for his honesty and strength to return to the road so close to such a tragedy. I actually joined in, and I never ever applaud at shows.
After the dedication to Dad the crowd simply exploded. The Worcester crowd always shows it's appreciation in sweat. These kids are the roughest most hardcore of the hardcore. I often joke about the blood and flying teeth at these shows- Worcester is the home of the filthy hardcore kid.
The musicianship was spot on and interestingly enough despite the horrid room the sound rang true. Herzers vocals were clean and concise and understandable. The banter with the crowd just enough to make it an intimate event without being overly chatty. A great mix for such young performers. They did the hits featuring "Milestones" , their latest video adventure (see below to check it out) Lions Lions delivers old school hardcore with a softer rasp. Bassist Jon Kay owned the night and its was evident that the mixing board loved him too. There is nothing more intoxicating than a bass thump at a hardcore show. Its a tribal cry and it was damn effective at Fridays show.
The shitty venue the insane fans and the overflowing energy made Lions Lions the pride of the night (get that lion pun? yup..) I love this band and please try to check them out on the road. GRAB THEIR MERCH, we need these guys funded so they don't give up or give in.
Well done. Best set of the summer.