Most Recent PC Music Showcase at The Met Continues Hype

by Jack Downey '23 on May 30, 2023
A&E Co-Editor

Arts & Entertainment

In the past year, one of the most anticipated events of each semester is the concert, sometimes plural, at The Met. The last one, which took place in February during the coldest day of the year, was a surprise hit, with nearly 300 people coming together to dance away the icy blast. After that success, the excitement for the follow up was through the roof.

Once people returned for Easter Break, promotion began for the awaited sequel. The lineup would consist of The Hopeless Romantics, The Grapes, and St. Joe and the Dorms. A portion of the proceeds would also go to the Izzy Foundation, a local charity that seeks to aid children with cancer. A flurry of Instagram posts ensued, as well as printed flyers that even made their way down to Eaton Street doorways. Before anyone knew it, the day of the concert had arrived: April 28.

Doors opened at 7:30 p.m., with The Hopeless Romantics going on at 8:00. The band consists of Declan Henry ’24 on vocals and guitar, Reid Kieper ’24 on vocals and guitar, Colin McNamara ’25 on bass, and Sean Smith ’24 on drums. Their set featured a 50/50 split between originals and covers. Old favorites such as “Twist and Shout,” made famous by The Beatles, met new covers, including an energetic take on Counting Crows’ “Accidentally in Love.” They showcased their writing chops as well, with their tried and true songs “She’s the Quiet Kind” and “Maybe We’re Not Meant to Be” mixing with newer tunes such as “Why’d You Have to Lie to Me?” Like a runaway train barreling towards a brick wall, the band tore through these songs with an energy that was only tempered by their attention to detail, making their set quite a compelling experience. Just as suddenly as it started, The Hopeless Romantics’ set wrapped up, and with a bow, the band exited the stage.

The Grapes were up next. On a bittersweet note, this show was the last to feature the classic lineup of Jack Wilmot ’24 (vocals), Ryan Peduto ’25 (guitar), Alex Rzehak ’23 (guitar), Ava Dobski ’25 (bass), and Brendan Greene ’24 (drums) since Rzehak is graduating. However, to send him off, the band played their tightest set to date, with their opener, Jimi Hendrix’s version of “All Along the Watchtower,” blowing people away. Indie favorites such as Mt. Joy’s “Sheep” met bombastic covers such as Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music.” Each band member was at the top of their form, the songs gelling in a way that showcased serious evolution. The band even played Wilmot’s newest original, the genre-bending “Places I’ve Been.” Despite lineup changes on the horizon, it will be exciting to see what the band does going forward.

Finally, St. Joe and the Dorms took the stage. Working with the classic trio of Griffin May ’24 (vocals, guitar), Jack Downey ’23 (vocals, bass), and TJ Johnson, the band was practically bristling with energy upon picking up their instruments. After an introduction by Father Justin Bolger, O.P., the band tore into The Who’s “My Generation,” followed swiftly by The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” With reckless abandon, the band took on songs of all genres, with The Ramones meeting Kenny Loggins head on. Classic crowd pleaser “Sometimes I Think” was also not the only original, with a newer song, called “Talking to Her” making its way onto the setlist. Towards the end of their set, they decided to mix things up by inviting Peduto back up. At first he was on drums while Johnson hopped on guitar to cover AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell.” However, the two switched for the final song in the set: Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird.” Someone get me my keys!

The show was a massive success, raising over $1,000 for The Izzy Foundation. A fiery rock show that also benefits charity? Sounds like a win-win in my book!

Concert Review: March 5th at Pub on Park

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

Arts & Entertainment

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.