DEAN BIRKHEIMER | Go Venue Magazine
It was Black Friday – November 29, 2024, the day after Thanksgiving, and there was still more cause to be thankful. Vial was in town, more specifically at the Reverb. The Reverb fits perfectly into the cornucopia of historic Benson neighborhood entertainment establishments. The Reverb itself, is a small lounge styled bar with all the trimmings, including a performance space that boasts a recipe of high quality sound and light.
The first appetizer for this evening’s musical meal was UN–T.I.L. This trio made up of Tierney Coughlin on drums and sisters Inara Seavey on guitar/vocals and Lena Seavey on bass comes to us locally sourced from Omaha, Nebraska. They are a power-punk trio with the emphasis on power. This band has a unique relationship with the Reverb Lounge, as it was in 2019 when the band members mothers met at a show at the Reverb. They got to talking and one of them suggested that their daughters should meet and play together. Four years later they released their six song EP, KISS, MARRY, KILL. Driving drums, harmonies and pedal power guitars is what makes up this band’s casserole of ingredients. They are a blast to watch and listen to, and they were a great way to start a rock show.
Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Destructo Disk is a three-piece punk band composed of Gideon Kupka, Molly Gordon, and Daniel Roff. About a week ago, they released their six song EP, It’s Really About the Friends We Made Along the Way to astounding reviews. One of the tracks off this EP was my song of the night. It was a cover of the Cures, “Boys Don’t Cry”. Even though it was very recognizable, Destructo Disk put their own spin on it, and it went from a 1980s jangly pop radio song, to a wonderfully distorted head banger. Watching Gideon on stage is like watching the northern lights. You gaze upon him as if under a spell, knowing that no other person performs quite like he does. Destructo Disk is most definitely a band that requires your attention visually as well as lyrically. Their songs are raw and express bitterness and opposition with a smack across the face of contentment. They were easily part of the main course of this evening’s show. The stuffing, the drumstick, and one of the reasons to be thankful.
VIAL is a Minneapolis-based indie punk trio of best friends: Drummer Katie Fischer (she/they), bassist Taylor Kraemer (she/they), and guitarist KT Branscom (they/them). It was back in March when Vial released their 2nd full length album, Burnout. This EP is 19 minutes of pure punk energy that will get your blood and adrenaline rushing through your body. Vial is ferocious on stage and their voices are glorious. Like every great meal, there is an aspect that puts it above other ordinary meals. Vial is just that. They were the centerpiece of it all. The gravy that ties everything together. From “Therapy” to “Piss Punk” and every song in between, this was a set that was meant to fill you, but without that food coma drowsiness feeling. The songs kept you energized and electric. Vial is unquestionably a band you want to see live as often as you possibly can.
Un-T.I.L., Destructo Disk and Vial were three bands that made sure we got a great Black Friday deal. The crowd ate up everything they served and in the end, there were no leftovers.
Thank you to the Reverb Lounge for hosting a wonderful gathering. The crew there makes everything easy as pie.
VIAL
Destructo Disk
UN-T.I.L.
All images © Dean Birkheimer
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