Talking Kind, Shit Present, and Gladie delivered a rowdy yet intimate show at Warehouse XI on May 20th. Nestled into a dead-end on Sanborn Court in Union Square, Somerville’s Warehouse XI has become a staple venue for indie bands, thanks to booking from Get To The Gig Boston. The show drew a sizable crowd, sheering off everyone’s Monday malaise with an energetic, yet intimate show.
Talking Kind took the stage first, showcasing some adventurous arrangements of their tunes, thanks to a lineup of new members. Talking Kind is the work of storied Philly songwriter Pat Graham of Spraynard and Big Nothing. Driven by acoustic strumming, Graham’s lyrics are pithy calls to action to an apathetic world. With the help of members from Gladie and other Philly-based musicians, Talking Kind’s Pat Graham brought a brightness and americana twang to the songs that contrasted the warmth and grit of the band’s recorded material. Seeing these musicians play tunes together for the first time was exciting, and their own joy of hearing these fresh arrangements was palpable as they dynamically navigated the soaring highs and supple lows of the catalog with spontaneity. For a taste of the candor that Graham brought to this set, give the tune “My Truck” a listen.
Shit Present was next to take the stage. It was the band’s first show in the US after nine years of playing around the U.K. The excitement of the audience and musicians came to a head at the first note, creating a joyously infectious moment that the band seized and didn’t let go of for the entire set. Featuring members from Great Cynics and Gnarwolves, Shit Present brought a mix of expertly crafted punk tunes and raucous energy. The crowd took every chance to sing along to the melodic vocal lines of Iona Cairns.
The night closed out with a hop back to Philly, for the infectiously poppy tunes of Gladie. With a sound that is equally at home in lo-fi nostalgia and at the bleeding edge of fuzz-dripped indie, these veterans commanded the crowd with confident ease. The room remained packed and thoroughly attentive as the band launched into songs spanning its discography. Led by Augusta Koch’s cool and reflective demeanor, the band benefited from the fresh approaches of players from Cayetana, Three Man Cannon, and Spirit of the Beehive (three more Philadelphia legends). The set offered a range of vulnerable and bold tunes.
It can be difficult for artists to break free from associations with their previous projects. But this Monday night show–chock full of supergroups–was a testament to how collaboration and reimagination can bring new life to the songs we love.
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