San Francisco’s post-metal, progressive rock, sludge scientists Giant Squid rolled through Philadelphia’s North Star venue on Friday with special guests Stinking Lizaveta, Fight Amp, and East of the Wall for what proved to be a bulletproof live package from front to back.
East of the Wall got the evening rolling with their emotional blend of progressive rock that seemed almost uncanny for an opening act. Still riding high from the October 2011 release of the highly regarded full-length album, The Apologist on Translation Loss Records, the band has been gaining a steady following of fans while touring the US. We recently caught up with band for a feature interview that explores the new record, so be sure to check that out if you missed it.
Philadelphia’s own heavy instrumental power trio, Stinking Lizaveta brought the thunder for a set that lit the room on fire, which is what you would expect from a group of musicians who won the unwavering backing of famed producer Steve Albini since their studio work with him in the mid-nineties. This trio has continued to set forth some of the most compelling instrumental rock albums in the US, incorporating everything from psychedelic and metal licks, to experimental movements that are engaging and distinct.
Fight Amp continued the theme of crushing performances as they showcased a new drummer who managed to gel seamlessly with the band’s speedy and deliciously dirty noise offerings that always invigorate onlookers. The band continues to book their own tours and support several successful split releases on Translation Loss and Brutal Panda Records.
Giant Squid continue to support their latest EP, Cenotes, also released by Translation Loss Records as they trek across the United States. Critics continue to praise the band for their unique musical delivery and conceptual album themes. The band has mastered the incorporation of Jackie Perez Gratz‘s cello playing into a musical framework that seems miles deep but accessible from many angles.
We have included listening samples and links from all of the guilty parties and encourage you to check out all of these bands, if you have not done so already.
Once again, Dante Torrieri of Useless Rebel Imaging was on hand to capture a gargantuan photo gallery for your viewing pleasure.
Words by Joshua T. Cohen.
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Stinking Lizaveta – Scream Iron Iconoclast Stinking Lizaveta – Scream Iron Iconoclast
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