Violet Grove at Gold Sounds (photo by Juliette Boulay)

 

A little over a week ago I went to a show at The Broadway to see Tits Dick Ass. They were on a ticket with Violet Grove, a melodic rock band I’d never heard before. The band was pretty good and I knew I wanted to see them again at some point, so I went to Gold Sounds this past Wednesday to check them out.

 

The band Tiger Toy went on first with their own brand of pop punk. They have the classic bratty punk sound I love with a hint of Le Tigre charm. At times it felt like the singing was on the verge of rapping, which was unique and refreshing to hear. I also liked their cheeky storytelling, highlighted by call-and-return singing between the bassist and drummer. Overall the band was pretty creative, catchy, and fun to watch (something I’m finding more and more common in two-piece bands). 

 

Next was Mx Lonely, a local shoegaze band that drew me in with their new single “TV Suicide”. Their music is loud, dissonant, and fuzzy—just like I like it. Their singer Jake Harms sang on his tippy toes from behind an elaborate pedalboard while the rest of the band co-created a beautiful clash of noise and sound. I’m glad they have a number of shows coming up because their songs are well-layered and I’m excited to see where they take their music next.

 

Violet Grove played last with songs that sounded familiar from the last time I saw them, except this time I walked into it more intentionally and really got to enjoy each song. The band brings a Mazzy Star-like sound with sweet high notes on guitar and bass lines that seem to compliment while following their own path. They also have a dynamic range that makes it easy to distinguish each song as its own storyline—some slow and melancholic while others are dreamy and danceable. While I’ve seen Violet Grove twice, I get a feeling that there’s much more to their songs than I can digest in a live setting alone so I’m really looking forward to hearing their music recorded. That said,I’m happy to keep showing up in person until then.

 

Violet Grove 

 

Overall I’m glad I went to this show and I’m curious to see what else pops up at Gold Sounds. While it’s a small bar-style venue like many others around the city, there’s something about this one that’s particularly welcoming and I’d want to come back to.

 

Scroll down for pics of the show (photos by Juliette Boulay)

 

TIGER TOY

 

 

MX LONELY

 

 

VIOLET GROVE