Girlpool: You know how sometimes it feels like you have to listen to a band a couple times to truly appreciate it? Well, that was not my experience with the punk-rock band, Girlpool, that’s for sure. As I approached the Vera Project stage, I looked around at the bustling crowd. I already knew Girlpool was a highly anticipated performance just by the atmosphere. I shimmied my way to the front and waited until the dynamic duo humbly, yet confidently walked on stage: Cleo Tucker and Harmony Tividad. Cleo, with her guitar, short red hair and geometric shirt. Harmony, with her bass, pigtails and pink-striped shirt. I thought, “How weird. There’s no drummer!” Then a powerful set of harmonies blew all of my expectations out of the water. I felt as if someone slapped me across the face, but in the best way possible. I wanted to climb Mount Rainier barefoot and scream from the very top, “GIRLPOOL IS FUCKING BADASS!” No wonder they didn’t have a drummer–they don’t need one. As I write this tidbit, I’m simultaneously listening to them and am realizing that I can’t get over their lyrics–they’re so authentic to the point that it feels like two of my close friends are telling me stories. Team Girlpool or die.
WET: Wet is band that I have been dying to see perform live for several years now and felt like I was never going to get the chance. So thanks, CHBP. I just about sprinted to get a good spot at the main stage. As I passed the other individuals huddling closer to the front, I noticed that Wet seemed to draw in a particular crowd. I don’t know why this is a thing I focus on, but I love noticing the audience’s style in relation to the band. During this performance, the majority of the people were “health goth.” I kind of hate myself for using that terminology but it’s also hilariously true. The all-black sportswear crowd calmly swayed back to Kelly Zutrau’s ethereal voice and Marty Sulkow and Joe Valle’s chilly vibes. It’s funny though, because Wet’s presence and style is so lowkey and simple but not in a boring way. They’re like, “Oh hi, we’re Wet and we hope you like our music. Here goes nothing!” Which I suppose I’m not the only one who thinks so. After doing a couple searches, the article “Wet’s Kelly Zutrau doesn’t want to look like just another girl in a band” by Fashionista popped up. I really liked the line “The complex nature of Wet’s music stands in contrast to Zutrau’s extremely simple style.” To me personally, listening to Wet feels like I’m sad and alone in an ice cave after someone chucked an ice pick at my heart, but things aren’t actually so bad because a cup of hot chocolate with healing powers miraculously appeared out of thin air. Their music just makes me feel a lot of feelings and it’s so relatable–which is sad but comforting. I just about sobbed when “Don’t Wanna Be Your Girl” played. Actually, that was my experience with every song, to be honest.
Shannon and the Clams: This rockabilly, Buddy Holly-esque garage punk band really broadened my horizons in terms of my music taste. I felt like I was at a beach party in the ‘50s or at an old-school prom. The sea-punk kids were definitely the crowd for this performance, which may have been a little to literal for me. Because, you know, “clams.” I shouldn’t be too hard on them though because they were stoked the ENTIRE time which made ME stoked the entire time. It’s really fun when there’s great audience reception, especially when you’re checking out a band for the first time. I feel like I still would have been really into it regardless though because Shannon Shaw’s VOICE, holy cow. Check out “Rip Van WInkle” and you’ll understand what I mean. It also warmed me up inside when she thanked Hardly Art for adding the band to their record label and giving for giving Shannon and the Clams a chance. I can just tell they’re very genuine people and do not fall into norms of what is “cool” musically. Their originality is what makes them stand out and they are definitely a new favorite.
Cristina Vazquez de Mercado | KXSU Reporter