Photo by Garyn Klasek
Bringing something fresh and unique to punk can be a real challenge. Yet, NOLA hardcore punk band Pears not only excel at this, they also exceed expectations and the imagination with what they’re bringing to the table. Only two years old, these guys have taken the world by storm, playing festivals and touring extensively with some impressive names in punk. This time around, Pears set off headlining their own tour, stopping at Mesa’s Nile Underground, with Milwaukee pop-punk rockers Direct Hit!
Photo by Joe Maier
Tempe pop punkers Adult Arcade kicked the show off in fantastic fashion. While they are indeed on the poppier side of punk, they have a powerful edge to what they throw down. The band was reminiscent of much of the East Bay punk from the nineties, particularly bands like Pinhead Gunpowder, between their fierce energy and vocals that evoke Billie Joe Armstrong by way of Austin Ray. Look out for Adult Arcade as they continue to rock out around the valley.
Photo by Joe Maier
Local DIY punks Spoiled were up next to jolt the crowd. It was great to finally catch this band’s slammin’ performance. Guitarist Dylan Thomas of Landmine Marathon fame held true to his heavy sound, thrashin’ out for the crowd. Chad Curry from The Prosthetics raged the fuck out on drums as everyone reciprocated the feeling. Bassist Stephen Chevalier had the audience headbangin’ along. Even Jesse Upshaw had people eating out of the palm of his hand as he exuberantly shouted. If the prerequisite projects of Spoiled doesn’t make them stand out, the fact that they have the potential to get anyone rockin’ as they play alongside heavier bands should.
Photo by Garyn Klasek
Direct Hit followed, keeping the spark lit. These cats sound like a roid ragin’ soul heavy pop-punk band and they do it quite well. Between the hard-hitting guitars of Nick Woods and Devon Kay to the skillfully varying vocals of Woods, this band has some rather intriguing talent. Drummer Chris Gaylor from The All-American Rejects, who pulled through to jump on tour, displayed incredible technical abilities while still being able to rock the hell out. Steve Maury leaves the crowd soaring in ecstasy on bass. Direct Hit is one helluva surprising treat.
Photo by Joe Maier
Pears never fails to shock everyone they encounter. This band passionately bleeds indignation, inflaming throngs of punks everywhere. Standing out front almost stealing the show was Zach Quinn, screaming his brains out and flailing all over. Guitarist Brian Pretus shredded it up, shouting onward. Erich Goodyear aggressively pounded along on bass while also keeping it dire. Drummer Jarret Nathan as well masterfully belted out a breathtaking performance. As surprising as Pears is, it’s far from shocking that this band fills a void in punk that is spellbinding.
~ Garyn Klasek
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