The best part of live music, to me, is that innate sense of belonging. And that exact feeling filled a small basement venue in Brooklyn to the brim on a chilly night earlier this month.
First to take the stage was Massachusetts’ Dump Him, and it was obvious that the quartet has garnered a lot of inspiration from riot grrrl bands of the 90’s with their confident attitudes and punk presence. Majority of their fast-tempo songs came from the album they released earlier this year, Dykes to Watch out For — discussing the climate crisis and self-care with the same level of earnest importance. DUMP HIM is, undoubtedly, a force to be reckoned with.
Appearing after the thrilling pandemonium of DUMP HIM may be a tough act to follow, but Trace Mountains was up for the challenge. As the solo project of Dave Benton (LVL UP), the crowd was ready to get into a reflective mindset, with Benton belting out one folk-tinged tune after another. Many featured songs were from 2018’s A Partner To Lean On, and the tug-at-your-heartstrings melodies foster an earnest sense of community and collaboration.
Gone are the days of pizza and zombie gatherings for the Seattle-based Great Grandpa. With the release of their second full-length LP Four of Arrows, the indie quintet have most certainly proven that they’ve grown up. They’ve become much more introspective over the last two years, and that is due, in part, to spending some much-needed time alone in order to rediscover themselves, their relationships, and their creative purposes.
Well rested and ready to rock, they took the stage at Elsewhere’s Zone One to a crowded room of delighted fans and friends. Vocalist Alex Menne stole the show with spunky grunge-esque poise. The band played an energetic set packed with nods to both the idiocracy of social constructs and conceded men. It was an absolute treat to see my favorite song off of the new record, “Dark Green Water” performed live. It’s an ode to opening up and being vulnerable, and, I assure you, with lyrics like “Mistakes were made and that’s the heart of this pain / But I’ll rejoice, I won’t give anything”, the crowd truly felt entwined in the narrative.
Each time I’m lucky enough to see Great Grandpa live, they just absolutely command your attention, from that first guitar strum to that last note sung. They nail every transition perfectly, shifting from chaotic shrieking to melodic instrumentals at the drop of a hat.
Words by Sarah Masessa, photos by Camden Phalen
