Perennials
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For all that it’s a small place, P.A.’s dwarfed the crowd a week ago Thursday for the Perennials residency. The greatest swell saw a cluster of maybe 35, more than half of them from one of the five bands on the bill.
Openers Get Laid showcased the pipes of Shannonnever, who had grit and skills to spare, carrying songs that tipped between punk and hardcore, and killing some melodies (the good kind of killing) along the way. Their final song prompted some rapt fans to squeeze in some wild thrashing and efficient headbanging — things move right along with these five-band bills.
Paparazzi seemed to sum up their own set when the singer said, “Let’s drink some more and end this.” The crowd of tight bros stayed with them, however, shouting requests for a last song. And that song was by far their most enjoyable and cohesive, culminating with their singer writhing on the floor, yowling into the mic, and shoving over speakers.
Tensions rose as a tiny bicker fit broke out between bassist Karina Dacosta and guitarist Jinsen Liu of 28 Degrees Taurus. Dacosta: “Do whatever you want, I don’t care.” Crowd: “Ooooooh!” Some asshole in the back: “That’s a woman for you.” (Screw you, pal.) Still, their oddball psychedelics eased any nervousness, and all was well. A surprise guest, Technoir, followed, offering a fun set of electropop with avant-punk vocal strains (both senses) and melancholy guitar lines à la Joy Division.
After an ill-fated trivia contest (“Can anyone name the two drummers who were in the Clash? No? Can anyone name our drummer?”), the Perennials began their set, the first in their month-long farewell residency. Singer John Flax’s stage presence could have worked an audience 10 times as big; it was a shame to think their wick has only three weeks to burn. Although they maintained a loud, fast pace, they ventured into poppier tunes and even busted out a “punk waltz” that met with deserving admiration from those who dutifully stuck it out till 1 am — and then as dutifully helped pack the vans.
