Boston, Massachusetts, and hardcore music. It’s the world’s loudest and most aggressive version of chocolate and peanut butter, and I need more of it.
Hardcore outfit Boundaries dropped their latest album “Death Is Little More” (3DOT Recordings) at the end of March and has seemingly dropped the album of the year, for sure a contender in my eyes, and people have been waiting for that sweet sweet tour announcement ever since. Well, baby birds, they did and Ghost Cult was lucky enough to have the distinct privilege of being able to take in the first show of the tour at The Middle East in Cambridge, MA. This room was sold out, crammed full, hot, and loud. So let’s plunge head first into this Wednesday night of hardcore and two-stepping.
First up with no hesitation or falter in their motion was No Cure, a band I have been dying to see live for a while now. Catapulting the vibe and energy in the stratosphere from the word “go!” No Cure pulled zero punches on who they were, what they were about, or if you even cared or not. “This song is dedicated to those who remain straightedge for the right reasons!” was a beautiful sentiment to those who grew up and prospered in the heyday of hardcore and punk. They truly do build them differently down in Birmingham, Alabama.
The band that genuinely confused me in the best kind of way was next, Koanashi. Emotionally charged mathcore from Philadelphia that makes you snap your head in confusion and rage. Mathcore is not something I’m super familiar with outside of Dillinger Escape Plan but needless to say, the moment that Koanashi walked on stage I knew I was in for a treat. Songs about, well honestly I have no idea, except for one. The mantra of “My guilt, my fear, my shame. Take it all away” carried thru the entire set with a collection of songs that speak to the disadvantaged and broken.
Orthodox, a band I’m very much familiar with and was ecstatic to see on the bill to give me some sense of familiarity were up next and GAHD DAMN, did they bring the thunder! Having missed their last appearance here in New England when they were on tour with Stick To Your Guns for their 10th Anniversary tour of their album Diamond (Sumerian Records) back in November, I was very excited to hear “Panic” and “Cave In” played live. The constant wave of crowd surfers and, seemingly, competitive two-stepping made for a chaotic and heartfelt sense of belonging and community… despite the appearance from the outside looking in. Long story short, go listen to Orthodox!
Now the reason we are all here this evening, hailing from the little corner of New England known as Connecticut… Boundaries. I don’t think I can properly explain how explosive the room became the moment that the lighting rig started going off, I saw actual bodies flying through the air. Touring in support of their latest album Death Is Little More and gracing Cambridge, MA with the very first night of the tour seems poetic in a way. Also, the fact that bassist Brandon Breedlove is from the Boston area only adds to the fact that this was a madhouse of a show. Four brand new songs from “Death Is Little More” made their live debut that night. Those being “Turning Hate Into Rage,” “Darkness Shared,” “Like Pedals From A Stem,” and the title track “Death Is Little More.” Having a massive 17-song setlist ending with classic “Reign of Pain” you could not have asked for a better tour kick-off show, truly.
Short of the long here folks is this, GO. SEE. THIS. TOUR! If you are a hardcore or metalcore fan in any capacity, you owe it to yourself to be here to experience this show in all its glory. Again, huge thanks to Boundaires for allowing us into this most excellent of kick-off shows to see what the rest of the country has in store for itself.
Until next time folks, this is Smallz… signing off.
Peace and chicken grease y’all!
Buy Boundaries music and merch here:
http://lnk.to/deathislittlemore
WORDS AND PHOTOS CHRIS SMALL
Follow his work here:
https://www.instagram.com/chrissmallbrand/