Nihiloceros, Spite FuXXX, Two Man Giant Squid @ Purgatory

by Kevin McGann | May 8, 2024 | Shows

Nihiloceros at Purgatory (photo by Kevin McGann)

NYC’s hardest working, kindest hearted band, Nihiloceros, celebrated their recent full-length release, Dark Ice Balloons, this past weekend at Purgatory and it was a banger of a night. Joining them on the bill were some of NYC’s other hardest-working bands Two-Man Giant Squid, Spite FuXXX, and opening the night, Brook Pridemore.

Pridemore kicked things off but unfortunately, thanks to the L train and its shenanigans, I was not there. But judging by the buzz in the crowd, it’s safe to say they rocked their set and had everyone amped for the rest of the night. And things moved quickly as Two-Man Giant Squid were set up and rockin’ out to a lean mean set shortly after Pridemore finished. The Brooklyn-based post-punk band has made a name for themselves based on their electric live shows and tracks like their recent 2024 single ‘I was a DJ in 2015’ which carries on the grooves found on their stellar 2023 full-length album, Intro To Basement.

After a great set from Squid it was time to pull back the curtains (literally), unveil the album artwork for Dark Ice Balloons and for Nihiloceros to take the stage. They kicked things off with album opener “Penguin Wings” and lead vocalist/guitarist Mike Borchardt was ready in a full-length penguin outfit. Borchardt, along with Alex Hoffman on bass/vocals, and newest member Glenn Gentzke on drums (previous drummer German Sent played on the album), ripped through a killer version of “Wings” and then jumped right into 2021’s “Mammal Science Fiction” and “Dirty Homes.” At some point a bunch of black balloons were released which added to the album imagery and new songs “Martian Wisconsin,” “Skipper,” and “Krong.” By the end of their blistering set, Borchadt was down on the floor playing in the crowd as the band killed it with “A.N.U.S.” from their 2017 self-titled EP.

Closing the night was another FTA fave, Spite FuXXX who are as well known for their crazy live shows as they are for their hard-hitting music (check out our coverage from another recent show). Lead singer MG Stillwaggon doesn’t wait for the end of a set to get down on the floor—she kicks things off that way and gets right to it, working the crowd with a hot pink megaphone while the band creates a swirl of guitar, bass and sound effects to a driving beat. Unfortunately, the set was cut a little short to make way for the after-hours disco party but I’ll be anxiously awaiting their next show.

For more on Nihilceros’ new album, you can read FTA’s review here. And make sure to catch these guys live as they put on one a helluva show.