The Demise of Doomstar!

Last week, Doomstar! quietly played their last show ever much to my dismay. One of Boston’s most explosive and energetic live bands, Doomstar! will be missed and I am saddened by the fact that I will never get to see them live again. I still can’t listen to their song “Lily Face” without picturing the band freaking out during the bridge. They have released some of my favorite music in recent memory and have put on several very memorable shows I have attended. With that said, I'm glad the band called it quits when they felt it necessary instead of going through the motions and letting the music go stale. I look forward to hearing future efforts by members of the group. The band has left us with a video of "Sea Gull" performed during their last show at the Middlesex Lounge via The Boston Phoenix. Watch the video below and stream Rainbow Bloodsucker, one of last year's best releases.

Out from the Inbox: DOOMSTAR!, RIBS, The Devil Whale, and Eksi Ekso

I've largely ignored the inbox associated with this blog (sorry, bands and PR folk!). Today, I took the time to skim through what I have been sent thus far in 2011 and there is some excellent stuff that needs to be heard (and a lot of crap that I'm ignoring - sorry again, bands and PR folk!). Below are some up-and-coming bands that I think are worth giving a spin. The image above, which I find to be quite awesome, is the cover to Eksi Ekso's new album, Brown Shark, Red Lion.

Zuzu Reveals Doomstar!

I had never been to Zuzu, which rests between The Middle East upstair and downstairs, but I was anxious to check it out. It was an unusual space for a performance by energetic rock bands but worked out pleasantly. It was small and had no stage so the performances were quite intimate. The left wall was lined with mirrors which made for interesting effect and there was a bar located on the right. There was not much else to speak of in the small venue. It seemed more fit for DJs and dance nights which I was told is exactly the primary function of Zuzu.

Girlfriends bring Doomstar! to Great Scott

I’m all about discovering new local bands. Boston has a vibrant music scene as full as any other city in the country with bands about to blow up. Catching shows for up-and-coming bands is a great way to discover the music that's steadily gaining buzz plus it’s also a cheap way to have a great night out. On July 1, 2010, I seized the opportunity to see two of Boston’s most promising newcomers: Doomstar! and Girlfriends. The show was to celebrate the release of Girlfriends’ Gov't Seizure 7" single and to sendoff the group since they are about to embark on a big US tour.