NOISE POP 2013: Thermals + Dirty Ghosts + The She's @ Rickshaw Stop 3/1/13

March 04. 2013 | By Wayne Jessup

The Thermals @ Rickshaw Stop, SF, 03-01-2013_01

The Thermals @ Rickshaw Stop, SF, 03-01-2013_05

Kicking off the weekend home-stretch of San Francisco’s Noise Pop Festival, Friday offered an abundance of musical treats around the City, including a sold-out appearance at the Rickshaw Stop by Portland’s The Thermals. With Westin Glass now approaching the five-year mark in the drum seat behind founders Kathy Foster and Hutch Harris, the band’s live chemistry has solidified into a juggernaut. Simply put, there is no reverse gear in this machine. The show put the spotlight on More Parts Per Million, marking its tenth anniversary with a re-release. The set included most of it, but made room for songs from their upcoming April release, Desperate Ground, on Saddle Creek. Even after the throttling set and flying bodies, the hardy audience insisted on more, and the band finished up the night with their mission statement, “No Culture Icons.”

The Thermals @ Rickshaw Stop, SF, 03-01-2013_06

The Thermals @ Rickshaw Stop, SF, 03-01-2013_10

Allyson Baker’s SF-based Dirty Ghosts broke out a set of what they referred to as The Heavy Jams, and they assuredly lived up to that billing, working out on tracks from their debut, Metal Moon. The trio had a nice local turnout to support them, and the thrillingly sludgy set no doubt gained new converts. Work has commenced on a second LP for them.

The She’s played a lean, assured set comprised mostly of their debut album, Then It Starts To Feel Like Summer, and worked in a couple of brand new songs, including their second public airing of “Dream Girl.” Their deft harmonies made a graceful live transition, especially on the set closer. With graduation just around the corner, look to hear much more from the band this year.

E.V. Kain, got the night rolling, playing out on their fourth show together. The new San Francisco-based band offered edgy angular punk, led by powerhouse drummer Jon Sortland. Rounding out the trio are guitarist Brian Belier and Jonathan Hischke on bass. They showed a deft hand with tricky time signatures, but didn’t sacrifice the crunch. Their self-released 45, “Yes No Maybe/Sun’s Holiday.” is available now.

The Thermals @ Rickshaw Stop, SF, 03-01-2013_07

Check out all the awesome photos HERE.

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