Ohio emoviolence outfit theyhungusfrompowerlines opened the 9/20 show at Dirty Dungarees, delivering chaotic drum parts played at blinding speeds, similarly eclectic riffs that constantly changed tempo and tone, and violent, violent screaming.
In classic emo fashion, the band played their entire set facing the drummer rather than crowd. This did not prevent the dual vocalists from putting on a fittingly emotive performance, with both swaying and retching constantly during their 20 minute set. As the show progressed, the songs evolved from more abrasive stop-and-go skramz jamz à-la Orchid to more melodic and melancholy sounding guitar parts, all while maintaining a signature screamo vocal timbre.
Ohio mathcore group Dance Like The Dead followed the openers. Playing their second show at Dirty Dungarees in just three days, the band played mathy yet distinctly catchy guitar riffs accompanied by powerful screamed vocals.
The three piece features only a drummer, a guitarist, and a lead singer, though the lack of a bass player isn’t felt too much due to the full tone the guitar player is able to achieve – no doubt aided by his 7-string superstrat. Not to mention the groovy drum tracks laid down by Archie, who just so happened to be playing on his birthday. The band capped off their set with a cover of Korn’s “Coming Undone,” which adequately warmed the crowd up for the following sets.
The penultimate act of the night was self-described post-hardcore and black metal fusion band Vulning, featuring a second set from Dance Like The Dead drummer Archie on guitar. He was joined by a second guitarist, as well as a frontwoman wielding a 6-string bass. All members contributed vocals throughout the set, but most notably were the harrowing screams coming from the drummer who simultaneously provided some of the most creative drum parts I’ve heard played within the walls of Dirties. You know they’re good when they so effortlessly switch from blast beats to intricate cymbal rhythms and syncopated double kick hits.
The entire group delivered a truly symphonic effort. Each song was intricately layered, with each instrument playing their own melodic yet undeniably heavy roles.
After releasing new single “CONSTANT” the same morning, headliners Salt returned to their home turf to close out the night. The band brought their signature hardcore sound with enough energy to power the eastern seaboard, ripping through song after song while the number of casualties from the unbridled violence in the pit steadily rose.
The enthusiastic crowd barely allowed frontman Josh Brown to sing as audience members grabbed the microphone and took matters into their own hands for nearly every song. To make the set truly collaborative, nearly every member of the band seized the opportunity to cause mayhem in the pit – and yes, that includes the drummer since the band played fan-favorite track “Spare Me” with the guitarist and drummer from their original lineup.
Despite their short two year history, Salt has been subject to many lineup changes. In fact this was only the band’s third show since bringing on new guitarist Aidan. When asked about the process of bringing new people on, Brown said that changing lineups has always been the nature of the band, and that their philosophy when it comes to playing is that whoever can will play in the band. He noted that while he thinks it may hurt their live performances, it makes it a more fun experience live. He also expressed excitement to begin writing future material with Aidan.
The set ended with the song “Gutted” off their Winter ‘24 Promo, and in Josh Brown’s typical acrobatic fashion, he punctuated the show by hurdling the drum kit and tackling the drummer. “Gutted,” along with the other song that appeared on Salt’s promo, “Divide,” will appear on their upcoming sophomore EP “SUFFERING” set to release November 2nd. The EP will also feature singles “CONSTANT” and “BITCHMADE,” as well as three brand new songs.
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