Pete Cassini - The Peasants

Roslindale (or “Rozzie”) is becoming a mecca for great live music these days, with The Square Root leading the charge. Imagine my surprise finding out that a venue popped up presenting a cool bill at the heretofore unknown Workhub Substation (or just plain Substation) right in the Rozzie hot spot of Washington St. and Cummings Highway. tonight! So, with no other plans and an extended absence from my reviewing gig focusing on my move back to my now-repaired apartment, I trooped over the mean streets amid snowfall and found the building, which is essentially a large hall with basic seatings of benches, tables and chairs with a tiny bar in the rear serving a modest selection refreshments. The stage area was set up right by a large window with a killer view of the street side. I settled in with a nice, appreciative crowd awaiting the entertainment.

The Rockmores

Starting out was The Rockmores, a quartet lead by guitarist and Rozzie resident (and show organizer) Michael Bioze. They were quite melodic, with lead singer Aaron DeGraff demonstrating great, dramatic vocal chops along with harmonies from bassist Peter Fernandez and solid beat of drummer Dave DeSimone. Their songs are engagingly modest, with some nice, intricate turns.

Tim Mann Band

Next up was the Tim Mann Band, they have a rootsier, heavier sound reminiscent of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers (in terms of jangleness) and Neil Young & Crazy Horse (in terms of raggedness). Tim Mann, was ably backed by his new band members Eliot Hunt, Ari El and Joe Klompus.

Pete Cassini - The Peasants

Then came the celebrated headliners The Peasants, who have been a staple of Boston rock for 35 years and counting! Chief Peasant, vocalist/guitarist Pete Cassini, kicked off playing solo with his defiant “I’m Not Afraid of the Flu” before the rest of the guys joined in starting with their second song “I’m Stuck on Planet Earth” and really kicked out the jams with “Goddamn Job!” Their combination of melody, punk edge and thrashing, piledrive rhythm (kudos to bassist Jose Hernandez and drummer Steven Hart) is spectacular and brought the night to a rousing climax! Steven Hart even played barefoot with shorts a la Grant Hart (hmm, related?!) of Husker Du fame! They debuted a new number “Bend Over,” a Bon Scott-era AC/DC style song that got me wanting to do dirty deeds dirt cheap! And, lo and behold, they finished their set with their paean to doing such a deed with a “Skinny Waitress!” Great service, guys! Looking forward to more Substation shows!

Peter Fernandez - The Rockmores

Aaron DeGraff - The Rockmores

Jose Fernandez - The Peasants

Steven Hart - The Peasants