Way back in late October, Boston Hassle hosted its first show at HOSTELING INTERNATIONAL in Chinatown! A break from the typical dank JP basement, this venue was really quite nice. The main area is a sort of café lounge, but sneak to the back and there’s a spacious playspace. The show starts off with our good friend from Newton Dan Lawrence, who brings a powerful acoustic version of his rock band Bashful Slasher. Dan has got a big presence and his voice really filled that entire room. Brattleboro, Vermont’s RUTH GARBUS steps up next, playing solo acoustic guitar songs about pizza currency in America with truth and humor. Then its MATT ROBIDOUX and CHRIS WEISMAN as Pyramid & Shoe, whose sound is melodically inspiring and humorous, charged by a crazy style I’ve not seen before. Angela Sawyer, proprietor of WIERDO RECORDS, delivered a sweet synth set with her Microkorg to cap off the show. It was a great night of New England freaks – I’m looking forward to seeing this venue booked again.