Terry Malts Rocks the Room Tonight at The Mohawk
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It is the coolest thing to get massive rock out of the simplest, most basic chords. In rock ‘n’ roll and punk, at least, it’s been the formula of the ages. And you don’t need to make things too complicated to make a great rock or pop song. Bay Area trio Terry Malts totally owns this most elementary yet essential approach, all while creating a perfect balance between lo-fi, fuzzed-out punk/hardcore riffs and elements of melodic pop.
Featuring former members of post-punk outfit Magic Bullets, Terry Malts jumps right in and shakes up any genre boundaries, so it’s this glorious mess of garage, noise pop, punk, and classic rock, all bouncing about with melody and the distinctive sound of having a damn good time. Frontman Phil Benson doesn’t have to raise his vocals to a scream because it’s not even necessary. However, though the music might be a slightly toned-down version of what Benson, guitarist Corey Cunningham and drummer Nathan Sweatt did in their grittier Magic Bullets days (now they do harmonies – and they sing about – gasp! – love…and they’re happy…ew), it doesn’t take away from all the ragged, distortion-filled pugnacity.
If a band can do love songs and sound like that, sign me up. Do not miss out on these guys. See Terry Malts at their show tonight at the Mohawk, 912 Red River, on the indoor stage. A very good bill indeed, with One Hundred Flowers and Rayon Beach starting out the evening. Doors open at 9 p.m. This one comes highly recommended.
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