Double Dagger
This week we'll be taking a look back at Baltimore's Double Dagger for yet another entry into our "gone but not forgotten" series. Double Dagger were in a special league of bands that can take the sparse setup of bass, drums and vocals and make it sound full (see: Japanther, Unstoppable Death Machines, Ed Schrader's Music Beat), and of course they rocked. Their songs glided seemlessly from instrumental to heavy punk jams, the latter of which gave lead singer Nolen Strals an oppurunity to take it into the crowd (and accidentally stick his head in a garbage can in the case of this show). And though they played their last show October of last year there's still more Double Dagger to come: word is they'll be releasing a new LP in 2012 (and in the mean time you can catch former DD drumer Denny Bowen in the excellent Roomrunner).
Acid Baby Jesus
"Who wants to suck my anal boner?" asked the punks from Greece. Before we had time to respond or contemplate how that would work, they kicked into yet another tightly wound garage jam. This week we got another classic CMJ set, this time from Acid Baby Jesus. They just sound tough as hell, which is bound to happen when any band reminds you of Link Wray. Also listen for backup vocals galore and some serious jamming at the end of the set. Their debut LP came out last year on Slovenly Records. -LC
Darlings
It's tough to sum up Darlings sound in just a few words. They're definitely 90s inspired, but that's used as a starting point rather than a means to an end - they sound fresh. Their songs tend to establish some insanely catchy vocal hooks and riffs and then build up to a big noisy conclusion. Their sound is their definitely their own and their song to hit ratio is out of control. Here's an assortment of their tunes recorded over the past two years.
Pygmy Shrews
We're planning on doing some construction at Shea soon and I think it's safe to say that if any of it involves a sledgehammer we'll be listening to Pygmy Shrews over the PA. Screeching atonal guitar solos, thunderous bass and blasting drums made this trio one of the most abraisive sonic experiences to take the stage at Shea. Pygmy Shrews played their last show this past February and it's sad to know there's now a little less feedback in the world. -LC