Sheer Mag breathe new life into arena rock

Contributed by Andrew Stephan

Arena rock gets a bad name these days, and perhaps rightfully so. It’s been a long time since it was musically interesting or culturally relevant. But Sheer Mag is changing that with their refreshing and more inclusive take on the genre. The Philly band are playing the Sinclair fresh off the July release of their first album Need to Feel Your Love, which showcases their unique brand of punk-influenced and soulful stadium rock. The album is strong throughout, but particularly enjoyable are riff-heavy “Rank and File”, the groovy “Pure Desire”, and an AC/DC-esque take on inauguration protests in “Meet Me In the Street”. This protest theme continues in “Expect the Bayonet” and “(Say Goodbye to) Sophie Scholl”, demonstrating the band’s commitment to social activism. They complement this with an equally strong commitment to jammable and danceable riffs and grooves, and the result is an exhilarating album with a strong social conscience. Note to whoever selects the music at the Garden: more Sheer Mag and less Gn’R.

Opening for Sheer Mag on 8/31 is Haram, a hard-charging punk band from NYC with Arabic vocals that should make for a rowdy live show. Also opening is the mellower Lost Balloons with a well-executed and wide-ranging offering of alternative rock. This is an all-ages show and promises something for every punk and rock fan to enjoy.

The details: The Sinclair, Cambridge, 7 PM doors, All Ages, $13 advance/$15 at the door TICKETS HERE

Listen to the bands:

Sheer Mag (Bandcamp)

Haram (Bandcamp)

Lost Balloons (Bandcamp)

 

 

*indicates an act local to Boston or New England

Flatfoot 56 to headline Celtic punk celebration at Middle East

The first time I saw Chicago’s Flatfoot 56 was at The Space in Hamden, CT in 2009. There couldn’t have been more than twenty people in the room, but Flatfoot belted their songs out like there were a thousand. We in the audience showed our appreciation with sweat, creating a minuscule circle pit in the humble basement venue. The band obliged by ripping out mile-a-minute Celtic punk rock to keep the wheel frantically turning, hardly stopping to rest. I’ll admit I didn’t know much about Flatfoot 56 at the start of that night, but by the end I was totally enamored by their sheer power and commitment to the music.

Flash forward to 2017, and Flatfoot 56 is a premier name in punk rock that has amassed followers by the thousands. As standard-bearers of the Celtic punk genre, their powerful sound and tireless work ethic have brought them around the world and back. But on August 26th they’ll direct their attention to Cambridge, gracing the stage at the Middle East Upstairs with their trad-punk tornado. While I can safely assume the turnout will be much stronger than that summer night in Connecticut, I can fully guarantee that Flatfoot 56 will be giving their all whether there’s five or five thousand.

Coming up in just a couple days, this show also happens to feature a personal favorite of mine in Boston locals Mickey Rickshaw. Their furious Irish punk assault is a perfect set-up for Flatfoot and fans who come expecting a rowdy time will not be disappointed here. Meanwhile the first opener is Foxboro’s The Gobshites, who lean more towards the folk side with traditional instruments and drink-along choruses.

This show is fixing up to be an exhilarating showcase of Celtic punk. So grab your dancin’ shoes and/or a pint and join the fun!

The details: 7:00 PM doors, 18+, $10 adv./$12 door, TICKETS HERE

Listen to the bands:

Flatfoot 56 (Bandcamp)

*Mickey Rickshaw (Bandcamp)

*The Gobshites (Bandcamp)

 

 

*indicates an act local to Boston or New England

Coming Soon: Propagandhi at Middle East Downstairs

Earlier today, The Middle East announced that legendary Canadian political punks Propagandhi will be playing the Downstairs on Oct. 21 with support from Iron Chic (NY) and Heartsounds (CA).

Propagandhi have been busy of late, having recently announced a Sept. 29 release date for their latest album, Victory Lap. Checkout the title track below:

Tickets for this show go on sale this Friday, July 28 at 10 am. Follow this link for the ticket page, and don’t sleep on these because with this lineup they’ll go quick!