Author: Ariel Wood
There was lots to celebrate this past Tuesday, October 30th. Most obviously, it was the night before Halloween. Fortunately for Madison, it was also the night Shannon and the Clams graced the High Noon Saloon with a stellar show. And to top it all off, it was guitarist and vocalist, Cody Blanchard's birthday. The night was filled with costumes, face paint, pounding drums, heavy guitar, steady base, and many a sweet vocalization.
The Hussy knows how to start a party. Their quick tracks pack a punch that their on-stage enthusiasm only heightens. True to form, this punk-pop-garage-noise band gives audiences screams, shouts, some spits, and even on occasions like this past Tuesday, a guitar fire. Formed in 2008, The Hussy started as a duo with guitarist Bobby Hussy and drummer Heather Sawyer; both of whom contribute to the loud, passionate vocals. With the addition of guitarist Tyler Fassnacht, live shows have grown to a truly glorious level of noise and energy.
Following closely behind, the Brooklyn band Dirty Fences kept the punk vibes rolling, adding a heavy early American rock and roll feel. Lead vocalist and bassist, Max Comaskey cut through the sea of sound with a clear, rich tone. Guitarist Jake Daves, singing lead on some songs, added to the higher end of the vocal range while sleighing each crisp guitar riff. Drummer Max Hiersteiner and guitarist Max Roseglass, held down the rhythm with a heavy fist and a tight precision. Any moment of vocal unity sounded seamless, a beautiful rock and roll kind of harmony. Max Hiersteiner, breathlessly speaking to the audience between songs, adamantly stated, “We just love playing music!” And no one could doubt it.
Finally, hitting the stage with several Halloween tracks to kick things off, Shannon and the Clams brought their zealous and authentic live performance that audiences have grown to expect and love from this Oakland based band. A base forward sound from Shannon Shaw, topped with the quick and playful guitar of Cody Blanchard, a steady and accentuating drum by Nate Mahan, was mystically saturated by the ethereal sounds of keyboardist Will Sprott. A vocal sound that points to both doo-wop and garage-punk influences, showcased the range of both Shaw and Blanchard. Shaws deeper R&B vocals lilt and sway, while Blanchards higher pleadings pull forward and back. Two edges of a very sharp sword, they both can bring their voices to the edge, and rasp with intense urgency.
Performing many songs from their newest full-length album, The Onion, themes of introspection and self-reflection were heavily present in the lyrics. The album's title comes from the many layers of an onion. In an intervie,w Shannon said, “Each time you have an experience it creates another layer in the onion. And that layer sticks with you forever and other layers grow on top of it, sometimes unevenly. When you get introspective and try to unravel yourself, you're digging through the layers.” Shannon and the Clams are nothing if not an emotive and heartfelt group. It was a layered experience, and a truly incredible one. Madison was lucky to have them, and we will be not so patiently awaiting their return.
