Labor Day marks the symbolic end of summer (of course the powers that be have decided to attach a stigma to a holiday celebrating the labor movement), but as long as there are festivals and gatherings, I like to think that there’s still a little warmth in our bones. And if the good times have to end, Peterwalkee Records Fest is a worthy last gasp. The two day festival kicks off tonight at the American Legion hall on Amherst Street.
Admittedly, I’m not an expert on every single band on the bill, but to my ears the first night is the heaviest. We’ve got:
Male Patterns: breakneck-yet-catchy punk from Albany
JOHNS: dark, anthemic blend of punk and pop (but not pop-punk)
Dead Unicorn: noisey powerpop from Kingston centered on the impending nuclear apocalypse
Cruelster: speed up The Marked Men, piss ’em off, make it awesome and from Cleveland
Resist Control: frenetic political rage
Gas Chamber: progressive powerviolence, what might happen if Opeth actually hung out with Satan
If you prefer your music recorded, good news: there are promises of “blow out sales” from Peterwalkee, and both Spiral Scratch and Black Dots will be hawking their wares as well.
If you prefer your art visual, good news also: there are promises of an art show featuring the works of various Peterwalkee bands.
And if you’re just really hungry: there are promises of free cookies.
Tonight’s show kicks off at 7pm, with music starting at 8pm. Both days cost eight dollars separately, with two day passes going for twelve bucks.
American Legion Post 1041 is at 533 Amherst Street, in front of Wegman’s. Facebook event here for more info. Check out Cruelster’s “Boys in the Biggest City” below.