My first stop on Thursday night was Beerland, for the What’s Your Rupture? showcase. First up: Vivian Girls, a Brooklyn three-piece with energy and feedback aplenty, who ran through a set of a dozen or so songs in less than twenty minutes. Just enough noise was present to keep me on edge; just enough melody to keep my ears intrigued. Damn good stuff, and I’m looking forward to hearing the Wild Eyes 7″ I picked up there.

Next up:  Think About Life: damaged and energetic pop music. My first time seeing them after hearing many a good thing, and I wasn’t disappointed. I stuck around for Detroit’s Tyvek, and was likewise pleased. Good, solid, furious punk rock, with lyrical references to both workplace anger and good Middle Eastern food.

I went from there to Central Presbyterian Church, and caught the tail end of Luke Temple’s set and the entirety of Retribution Gospel Choir’s.  And: damn. I’ve written here before about my love for Low’s latest album, and Alan Sparhawk’s work here seems like the flipside of the restraint he shows there. Pounding drums, ominous harmonies, and furious rock; impressive stuff. Apparently, they’ll be through NYC in June, and I am eagerly anticipating that.