Show Review: The Alrighters, Razors in the Night and others at Middle East

This show may go down in history as one of the most mismatched bills ever. There was progressive indie rock, pop-punk, hardcore, and some wacky R&B. The one thing about this show that fit was the attitude, talent, and work ethic evident in these bands.

The Alrighters

It's not often you see an opening band pour itself into its performance like Full Body Anchor did on Saturday night. Lead vocalist Eric Edmonston is a beast, plain and simple. With a pounding rhythm section behind and driving guitar forging the way forward, Edmonston's vocals soared, wailed, and screamed their intensity. The band, made up of various veterans of the Boston punk and rock scene, have come upon an amazing sound for fans of bands like the Deftones, Queens of the Stone Age, and in their heavier moments, Helmet. Clearly this collection of weathered vets knows their stuff and knows how to put on a show.

Cradle to the Grave brought a change of pace to the stage, bringing in lighter elements and upbeat rhythms. The band plays a brand of pop-punk that calls to mind the Bouncing Souls and Green Day. Formed in 2009, the band consists of four experienced musicians who have a comfortable stage presence and an uncensored sense of humor. The band's setlist was written on a take-out menu, prompting some self-deprecating weight humor. In all, Cradle to the Grave is clearly a fun bunch of guys who play some good songs.

Troy of Razors in the Night interacts with the crowd

The highlight of the night for me was local hardcore act Razors in the Night. A genuine hardcore band with no posturing, no bullshit, and no mercy, RITN caused havoc. Lead vocalist Troy Schoeller gained my respect by immediately coming down from the stage and onto the floor, inspiring a small but spirited mosh pit. RITN have a sound reminiscent of old-school Oi! and hardcore that is rarely heard these days. A critically acclaimed group, they have played with legends like The Casualties and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. This show revealed their appeal instantly, as their velocity, brutality, and attitude was readily evident.

The final band of the night was The Alrighters, a 4-piece that plays 50's R&B with a dash of psychosis. The vocalist, Panda, kicked off the set by showing off his unique sense of humor. The band ripped through songs that necessitated movement in the audience, with topics like barbecue and fish & chips. A steady and driving rhythm section set the headlong pace for the baritone sax and vocals, which were kept at the level of a crazed scream. Sadly, this show was the last for The Alrighters, but it is safe to say that they will be sorely missed in Boston and wherever else they have brought their rhythm and blues madness.