New Haven is a strange city. It’s home to the best “apizza” place in Connecticut, the sixth largest city population in New England, and arguably the country’s top ivy league school (Hello, Yale, yo?). Yet for all that quaint cuteness, it’s got several dark alleys and hidden gems scattered about. One of those, and probably the best, is Café 9.
Massachusetts band Potty Mouth were set to take over the venue with their nonchalant, laid back attitudes — something most likely present when they formed the band on a Smith College retreat three years ago. But before they launched into their set, Potty Mouth’s touring friends got to flaunt equally-impressive talent. It’s no secret that the best concerts are the ones with equally good openers, and thankfully Tuesday night was one of them.
New Haven got a taste of its own music scene with Ovlov, a four-piece indie rock band that cranked the amps up past the point where vocals were recognizable. Their music sounds like fresh takes of Dinosaur Jr. and Pixies, packing a bit more pop and math in their punch than the ’90s groups.
Philadelphia’s Radiator Hospital kept the lo-fi sound going with power pop that is as infectious as it is enjoyable. Singer/guitarist Sam Cook-Parrott knocks out every emotion you could have had in high school, college, and post-college life in one fell swoop. From up-tempo number “The Great Escape” to the half-simple, half-complex “Our Song,” Radiator Hospital displayed a level of musicianship that leaves you struggling to find the words to accurately describe it. There’s nothing grandiose or intricate about it, but rather all the notes fall into place and dive down when you least expect it, making for a comfortable, pleasing, and surprising ride.
Massachusetts repped itself well when Potty Mouth took the stage. Forget your girl rock band with scowling looks or matching dresses. The four women drew out their buzzing guitar rock with ease, never once relying on the fact that they’re female to be their defining trait. Yeah, pretty much the way it should be.
Instead, frontwoman Phoebe Harris made faces at the crowd while singing in to the microphone, hair ruffled in her face and her bass hung low. Each face was like a different cannonball into a pool: tongue out, eyes closed, side wink, cautious grin. Throughout it her upper lip would catch on the edge of the microphone just to let a few monotone lines be heard while still achieving the scruff of a whisper. Harris made what could have been a serious show an evening of immature friendship between bands rooted in solid music.
Right there alongside Harris were Ally Einbinder, Abby Weems, and Victoria Mandanas, the force behind Potty Mouth’s excellent 2013 LP, Hell Bent, around which much of their set was based. Pop music with punk inspiration lit up during “Rusted Shut,” “Damage,” and “The Spins,” fans’ faces visibly glowing from their sound.
Even in a neighboring state, Potty Mouth drew a dedicated crowd. That’s what you can expect from a band that’s focused, kind, and doesn’t need the comfort of their hometown to have fun.