The Defibulators. Photo courtesy of Jessica Gildersleeve.
Summer is winding down, so let’s turn up the heat a little to celebrate.
This month’s slate is definitely high energy. So, if your idea of a perfect concert is a soft voice and quietly strummed acoustic guitars, you might want to take a month off. Moving between funk, punk, indie and grunge, this handful of bands is committed to bringing the rebellion and anger back into rock. So, get ready to move, sweat and shout along.
H.R. w/McRAD, 8/15, 8PM, H*MAC Herr Street Stage, $10/$12
For those who don’t know, Paul “H.R.” (Human Rights) Hudson was the frontman for the pioneering hardcore band Bad Brains. Formed in Washington, D.C., in the late ‘70s, Bad Brains’ blend of punk, funk and reggae revolutionized hardcore music, establishing H.R. as one of the most influential men in all of rock and roll. He will be joined by McRad, headed by Chuck Treece, a famed skateboarder and musician. Often cited as the definitive skate rock band, McRad will be debuting its newest LP, “Lion Pure.”Fittingly, Treece will also use the occasion to debut a new skatedeck and wheels. So, whether you grew up with punk rock or spent your afternoons grinding rails, this is the perfect chance to reconnect with some of rock’s important visionaries.
BIG UPS, WASHER & CONCRETE BEACH, 8/19, 8PM, THE MAKESPACE, $8
Formed in New York, Big Ups started playing its blend of post-punk, metal and indie rock in 2010. Tackling the anxieties of the 21st century, lead singer Joe Galarraga screams his way though blistering tracks that exist on the verge of cataclysm. Big Ups is not for the faint of heart, and the band mates don’t really care. But, in some ways, their high energy and controlled chaos are the perfect accompaniment for millennial disillusionment. They are promoting their new 7-inch split with Washer, which will be joining them on stage. Considering the small confines of the MakeSpace, be prepared to sweat.
SOUL ASYLUM, 8/21, 8:30PM, FEDLIVE, $22/$25
Although the 1994 hit “Runaway Train” propelled the band into stardom (and earned a Grammy), Soul Asylum has been around since 1981. Part of the wave of alternative rock acts that helped radio move on from hair metal in the early ‘90s, Soul Asylum has continued to tour and record. Although there have been a number of lineup changes, most notably following the death of bassist Karl Mueller, the band’s latest album, “Delayed Reaction,” was released in 2012. Harkening back to the energy of almost 20 years earlier, Soul Asylum is proving that they aren’t done yet. So, don’t expect to see a bunch of aging rock vets going through the motions.
Mentionables: SAVAK, 8/6, H*MAC Herr Street Stage; Miss Tess and the Talkbacks, 8/7, The Abbey Bar; Shine Delphi, Little Amps Downtown, 8/21; The Defibulators, 8/25, The Millworks; Justin Hayward, 8/25, Whitaker Center
