Metric; Zoe; July Talk @ Kings Theater

Metric; Zoe; July Talk
@ Kings Theater
February 18, 2019

Metric are back with a classically strong record and a renewed sense of spirit. Amazingly, for perhaps the first time in the band's history, they've unloaded their raw punk new wave talents during a decrepit period in our lives with a positive mindset (during Bush, things were bleak, Emily was bleak about it, and out came the ROCK; during Obama, things were better, Emily and co. were feeling better about things, the sound slightly merged with their original electro style; now during Trump, they're back to ROCK but they're hopeful - that's good because I'm not).
Pulling mostly from Fantasies to now (exceptions for Combat Baby and Dead Disco, the latter of which remains one of the greatest songs ever put together and will never sound dated in any time period for as long as humanity carries on), and making the most of the elegant proper theater confines (the band will always be ideal for club acoustics), Metric could not miss a beat. Not unlike how Ash described the Alien - they are the perfect organism.

Zoe appear to be the U2 of Mexico with a dash of Phoenix. I say this based on observation of the good 15-20% of the crowd present exclusively for them. The show in fact verged on something like a double bill or at least felt like it. It was an educational experience.

July Talk are a Toronto outfit whose lead singer rich, deep voice would be ideal for punky blues.

Jon Spencer and the Hitmakers; Bodega @ Rough Trade

Jon Spencer and the Hitmakers; Bodega
@ Rough Trade
Brooklyn, NY - January 31, 2019

On a bone chilling night in Brooklyn, the Master brought forth his new record, some past passions, a good Trump rant, and all the usual swagger and vibrancy we come to expect. So much so that there isn't much else to say about it.

Bodega are a young up and coming art punk collective (if art punk can still have up-and-coming bands) who channel the best of the best. Their record last year was my favorite release of 2018. They tell it like it is, play it like it should, and have a good time doing it. How did this happen indeed.