by Jack Downey '23 on April 8, 2023
A&E Co-Editor

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Arts & Entertainment

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While many PC students went away during spring break, including a large portion of the class of 2023 who went to Punta Cana, some of us remained in the frigid temperatures of New England. However, a recent local show warmed things up significantly.

On March 5, a concert consisting of four bands occurred at Pub on Park in Cranston. The order of the acts was as follows: Neglected Witches, The Hopeless Romantics, Bozo Brain, and Vertigo. Neglected Witches took the stage at around 8:00 P.M., their outfits and stage demeanor immediately catching the attention of the audience. With amps cranked to the max, the band kicked off the show, with even the bass coated in fuzz and distortion. Bassist and singer Quinten Ouellette showcased some remarkable vocal chops, jumping from sinister low tones to shrieking highs and back as if it was child’s play. Guitarists Evan Lachance and Joey Raymond chugged and shredded away on their guitars, and drummer David Costanza kept things moving the entire time. Overall, fans of heavy music should absolutely check this band out.

Following Neglected Witches were The Hopeless Romantics. Something notable to mention about this group is that it is made up entirely of PC students. Declan Henry ’24 and Reid Kieper ’24 both sing and play guitar, Colin McNamara ’25 plays bass, and Sean Smith ’24 plays drums. The last gig this band played was nearly a year ago, so anticipation for their return was high, and The Hopeless Romantics absolutely delivered. Featuring a nice blend of originals and covers, their set had something for everyone. Members of the crowd actually stood up and moved close to the stage during the band’s take on Nirvana’s “School.” Some of the band’s original material also drew positive reactions from the audience, including the songs “If Only I Knew” and “Maybe We Weren’t Meant to Be.” This band is definitely one PC students should check out.

Up next was Bozo Brain, a two piece hardcore band featuring Meg Pereira on bass and vocals and Tate Lymburner on drums, though the two switched off at one point during the set. While it might seem as though a two piece band would have a hard time creating enough sound to entertain an audience at a rock show, this couldn’t have been farther from the truth. With Pereira’s amp being channeled through multiple effects pedals and two amps, the sound of her bass was massive, and Lymburner’s drumming added a steady backbeat under the wall of sound. From the opening song “Bozo Brain,” which serves as a mission statement for the band, the crowd was hooked by the pounding melodies and powerful lyrics. In a scene where hardcore bands are as numerous as the stars, Bozo Brain manages to stand out.

Finally, Vertigo closed out the night with a sound so massive it could’ve filled a stadium. The band is only a trio, consisting of Jake Draven, Meg Pereira, and Drew Correra, but they sound like a group twice their size. Draven’s guitar playing, which encompasses both rhythm and lead playing within the same song, is enhanced by a wide array of pedals as well as a built-in pad that allows him to control frequencies with a swipe of his finger. His howling vocals ride on top of the shrieking guitars like a fierce wind. Meanwhile, Pereira’s bass remains as loud as ever, and Correra’s drumming adds an insane amount of dimension and scope to the songs. Throughout the past year, the band has improved their craft and are now a tight live unit, so they were very exciting to see, and the audience was captivated until the last note.

To check out these bands, follow them on Instagram: @neglectedwitches, @officialhopelessromantics, @bozo_brain, and @we.are.v3rtigo.