Over the past few months, the weeknight show has made a heavy comeback, with some of the biggest shows in the underground music community taking place during the week and not on the traditional Friday and Saturday nights. This week is no different, as Murphy’s is offering up a pre-music fest gig that boasts two impressive punk bands, Nots and Buldgers, opening for New Orleans’ garage punkers Babes.
Googling a band called Babes proves almost impossible, which puts them in a category with other internet-proof bands like Girls and Merchandise. But if the name leaves a shroud of mystery, the music certainly does not. Babes play fast and fun punk rock-and-roll, and there’s definitely a nod to the Memphis and New Orleans super group the Bad Times in their sound. There are no frills or hang-ups here, just the same riffs blasted over and over on top of a primitive beat. It’s a formula that’s worked for everyone from the Ramones to the Reatards, and it works here, too.
While it’s fair to call Nots and Buldgers punk music, it should be pointed out that they come from two very different sides of the genre. While Buldgers bludgeon the listener with fast and heavy hardcore riffs, Nots rely on the same tactics that bands like Rakketax perfected in the 1970s. With sharp guitar stabs and repetitive vocals, Nots don’t take the same hardcore approach to song writing that Buldgers do, but the songs still feature a jagged edge and enough snot to fill a tissue. Buldgers also have some familiar faces in the hardcore scene, with members who have played in No Comply and Hosoi Bros. — Chris Shaw
Nots, Buldgers, and Babes will perform at Murphy’s, Thursday, May 1st.
Doors open at 9 p.m. $5.