Russian Circles, Dalek, Young Widows | The Barbary, Philly | 2/26/08
This was one of those shows where if you forgot your earplugs, you had better hope to sweet baby Jesus that someone brought an extra pair, or be prepared to face the consequences. The operative word of the evening was “heavy.” Despite the disparate genres making up the lineup, each band took their unique music to the hardest, doomiest level possible. Is that even a word? After this show, it is.
The Barbary is Philly’s newest music venue, and this was the first all-ages show they staged. On a sidenote, if you’re visiting Philly, The Barbary is normally a DJ venue, and is a most fun place to go dancing. But, I digress. I could hear Young Widows beginning their set from two or three blocks away, at which point I began to worry for the health of my eardrums. My fears were confirmed when I stepped through the doors and immediately went deaf. However, it turned out to be one of those “it hurts so good” situations. Young Widows is a three piece from Kentucky that puts bass as the centerpiece of their hardcore Thanksgiving table. The combination of this, sung/shouted/screeched lyrics, and dissonant guitars had me standing slack-jawed in the back, trying to figure out what was happening to me. By the time I realized I was a witness to awesomeness, the band was finishing up their last song. Young Widows delivered the first truly face-melting performance of my year, and they come highly recommended if they happen to pass through your town.
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