It's a family affair

Folks are noticing that I've spending a fair bit of time documenting shows at Pressed of late. Well, there's good reason to drop in at the hipster sandwich joint, besides the excellent eats. They've provided a very welcome home for music of all strips, and it's a very nice place to see a show. Just witness last night's packed performance/record release by the Runciman siblings and their respective bands Grime Kings and Boyhood, along with Crosss.

First up, Grme Kings. When I saw them at Ottawa Explosion I thought they were mashing together a bunch of influences but hadn't quite got the formula right. They've obviously sharpened things up quite a bit (or my ears are working better), because their edge-of-chaos sonics are sounding quite a bit tastier. Their new Bruised Tongue Release is called First View Of The New. They were a quartet on this occasion.


Grime Kings at Pressed, December 6, 2012

Chandler shows some tongue.


Grime Kings at Pressed, December 6, 2012

Just like previous shows, Crosss sounded like a hypnotic combination of early Pink Floyd and The Velvet Underground. On the other hand, since mainman Andy March is making a bit more of a name for himself with his cassette label Craft Singles, at least I can put a name to him. He also seems to have settled on drummer Nathan Doucet of Yellow Jacket Avenger.
 

Crosss at Pressed, December 6, 2012

Extra points to bassist Ryan Allen for playing strapless, among other technical difficulties.


Crosss at Pressed, December 6, 2012 

Finally Boyhood finished things off with a rocking set. They added Grime King guitarist Alex for some extra firepower and sounded a bit fractured, but quite effective nonetheless.


Boyhood at Pressed, December 6, 2012

Alex frets!


Boyhood at Pressed, December 6, 2012 

A great night and a slew of fine tapes to pick up as well.