Sun Drifter – Photo by Luca Kupper @totalwife

6/8/19–Boston locals, Sun Drifter opened the show with fantasy metal. Fronted by guitarist, Craig Peura, whose operatic vocal and facial expressions truly channeled Jack Black’s Tenacious D energy. The droning instrumentation was supported by his standout high notes.

Dommengang, the touring opener achieved 70s hard rock and blues symmetry with fuzz, wah and matching haircuts. Bassist Brian Markham and guitarist Dan (Sig) Wilson often played similar parts, and split vocals, following drummer Adam Bulgasem.

Dommengang – Photo by Luca Kupper (@totalwife)

Jason Simon of Dead Meadow began their set by setting a loop on his guitar and leaving it to blare through the speakers.

The space-engulfing, noisy set featured songs from the band’s 2001 self-titled as well as their newest record, The Nothing They Need (2018). The group worked with big names like John Peel and Anton Newcombe for live session recordings, and for a good reason.

Layers of fuzz and distortion are pierced by Simon’s melodic and pitched vocal style.

The mesmerizing set was heavy, with each instrument taking up the maximum amount of space. Mark Laughlin’s drumming style controlled the dynamics of the set while bassist Steve Kille lifted up the fuzzy lead guitar.

Dead Meadow – Photo by Luca Kupper (@totalwife)