













Throwback at The Velvet Lounge
The Velvet Lounge in DC seems to be the equivalent of NYC's Trash Bar, or perhaps the showroom of Bar Matchless sitting on top of the Trash Bar. Either way a hardcore show, yep, makes perfect sense. The surprising thing is how narrow the stage gets in front. It's not that wide to begin with plus the subwoofers are on the ground in front of the stage. So of course who pushes their way up to the front of every show? That's right, the most violently energetic fans! When Throwback really got going there was this tight little mosh pit in front where serious brutality was taking place while in back people leaned against the (unmanned) bar and just sorta chilled. Something for everyone I guess, except for people who want paper towels in the bathrooms.











Pile at Black Cat
Some band pairings are really weird. Pile played a very long set because Big Ups didn't, and the reason that happened is that they're totally different types of bands. Pile is one of those heavy but artsy bands whose songs seem to be composed like classical music. No pop-y verse-chorus-verse structures here. Their songs on their albums aren't particular long, but live they seem to be playing longer pieces with distinct movements, like they're performing the soundtrack of a dramatic play. Not really my sort of thing, but interesting.












Big Ups at Black Cat
As you look at these photos pay attention to lead singer Joe Galarraga's shirts. First, how many different shirts was he wearing anyway? And second, a lot of people in the audience wanted that Dope Body shirt. Now there are two bands who should really consider touring together.
We Have Moved
(HereForTheBands is now in Washington, DC)