Allston-based production company S.H.O.P. released their 2nd compilation of local bands on July 25th. The compilation features a whopping 21 tracks and the incredibly affordable “name your own price” rate. SHOP explains the comp on their bandcamp page:
Bands
Boston, Cambridge, and Allston are home to some of the greatest ska bands in the states, to include those who helped pioneer the American ska sound, and those up-and-comers who continue to make this scene what it is.
FORT! The Last Show: July 10th Show at Middle East Club to be the Band’s Last
In a blow to those of us who like to party in basements with their friends, the Allston based FORT! The Band announced their last show via their Facebook Page on Sunday:
It was 6 years ago when a few art students and childhood friends found themselves in a basement on Mansfield Street, in Allston, Massachusetts. Through mutual appreciations for certain forms of art and entertainment they recognized a mutual interest in starting a band. They named themselves after a joke. With a bit of practice and thought, they soon enough were debuting their efforts in that very basement. Two other bands, Detonate, from Texas, and Marx Revolution, also played this show. If their self written biography is to be trusted, over the six following years, and through various incarnations, FORT! the Band brought their “rash, eclectic electricity to stages across the northeastern United States.” They made ten albums and went on three or four real rock and roll tours.
Poor Jeremy Teases Debut EP, Spare Change; Record Release on July 14th at the Midway Cafe
It wasn’t too long ago that Poor Jeremy seemed like the newest ska-punk band in town. Forming in the early part of 2012, they started playing gigs at the end of last year. In the six or so months since, they’ve really hit the stage hard. Watching their stage presence evolve over that time, I am more than excited for the debut EP, being released at the Midway Café on July 14th. Joining Poor Jeremy on stage is Maine’s favorite band that Just Won’t F%$#ing Die, Sonic Libido. Watertown’s youthful punk-ska powerhouse, The Rolling Coasters will be putting their energy on display. Rounding out the bill, Boston’s The New Limits will be setting the mood with their sweet brand of ska, rocksteady, and soul.
UPDATE 7/14/13: The Poor Jeremy EP is now available on Bandcamp.
A Guy Named Guy Returns Home from Tour; Presents Local Showcase at Middle East
Earlier this month, Boston’s own A Guy Named Guy set out on a three-week tour across the Northeast and Midwest USA. I can’t think of any other Boston ska bands that have done any serious touring recently (save for Big D heading out on Warped Tour this summer), so let’s give these guys some respect; touring isn’t easy in the slighted, especially for 7 or 8-piece ska/punk bands. Their first show kicked off in Allston so it’s only suitable that they circle back and close out the tour in Cambridge. Touring can be strenuous, so it’s nice to start and end with fans and friends.
Boston’s Hobo Chili Hosts Michigan’s Take a Hint
Nothing warms my heart more than watching bands help each other out. Also, chili. Chili warms my heart. This show will have both!
The Screw-Ups Migrate to Boston and Release Self-Titled EP
For all the negative things that have put Newtown, CT in the news, it will always be a musical hub in my mind. I grew up a few towns over and the Newtown Teen Center had a somewhat mythical status. I’m not sure I could name all of the bands I saw in high school that came out of Newtown. Connecticut-based punk/ska record label Asbestos Records credits the town with being the catalyst for the label’s creation.