Linnea Herzog - Linnea's Garden

Spring has sprung and I took the liberty of shaking off the winter of my discontent and taking in a night of live music at Union Sq’s Sally O’Briens, a very convenient one mile drive from my residence. The venue has had its ups and downs during the post-pandemic era in terms of bookings, with many acts that have played there earlier being conspicuously absent. But it seems the staff is starting to make amends lately, and tonight’s bill offered a fairly diverse but enjoyable set by three local scene makers.

Happy Little Clouds

Happy Little Clouds got the night started with their low-key alt-indie rock songs, which teetered occasionally into shoegaze territory. Main Cloud Jac Mestel (guitar and vocals) has been covering clubland skies for a decade, and Jac's latest backers for tonight’s show was Derek Bergstrom on bass and Jess Townsend on drums. Much like their name, their music hovers and passes through letting in and blocking light and shade, simultaneously emitting brightness and moodiness. The perfect New England spring band, I say! They will also be playing the Somerville Porch Fest on May 13 with Linnea’s Garden (more on them later).

Johnny and Frankie - Baabes

Baabes, on the other hand, couldn’t have been more different with their in your face punk and swagger aggression! Front Baabe Johnny Brain Box was every bit the depraved showman hovering and groveling on the stage (and the dance floor) while guitarist Frankie Sinn shredded and styled with his Devo-ted shades and spiky short hair. Glen Deez and Pennywise (bass and drums) certainly “pound-ed foolish-ly” with their rhythm section!

Linnea's Garden

Headliners Linnea’s Garden had the unenviable task of following the Baabes bluster. No sweat for them, for Linnea Herzog has been a force to be reckoned with herself with her charmingly flamboyant but fierce personality and songwriting and guitar chops! Her current lineup, Hands on bass and Ray Clough on drums, ably assisted with the crops of playfully twisted Linneasongs about life oppressors such as the patriarchy. But the emphasis is always on fun even when she touches on weighty subjects, and that has resonated so well especially during these plagued times. This is their kick off show for their mini-tour, and judging from tonight, Linnea and company should have no problem spreading their subversive joy to a doomed and gloomed world.

Good riddance winter doldrums, spring has sprung!

Baabes

Pennywise - Baabes

Glen Deez - Baabes

Derek Bergstrom - Happy Little Clouds

Jac Mestel - Happy Little Clouds

jess Townsend - Happy Little Clouds

Hands - Linnea's Garden

Linnea and Ray Clough - Linnea's Garden

Ray Clough - Linnea's Garden