WORDS BY JULIA NEUMAN. PHOTOS BY ADAM MURRAY.
Bluesy vocals and psychedelic guitars are back with a vengeance in heavy metal. Not that either can go out of style, but bands like Graveyard are doing both exceptionally well right now. Their music is heavy and catchy, simple and carefree, yet, it comes with an unspoken guarantee: it won’t ever be heard on the radio. These are the songs played just for you, in this here dark space, to go with that there delicious beer. Or at least that’s what they want you to think.
Some might call that hipsterdom—and yes, most people at the Bootleg Theatre on January 28 looked like they ransacked the shabby chic vintage store around the corner. But I stopped caring about appearances once I saw them caring about the music. The long line outside the Bootleg was proof that people weren’t just all talk. The buzz about this tour translated into 250+ bodies showing up to sell out the venue.
Graveyard’s set was a no-frills trip through their catalog of singable grooves. Plaid-clad, fringe-laden, uber fashion-conscious types— people with whom I might not have much in common otherwise—suddenly became my buds in the pit as we belted out, “Blue is the color of my soul”. You have to love shows like that. Graveyard lyricizes about emotional baggage, but they simultaneously make light of it all with their melodies. It’s music as medicine, and in a live setting for the stressed out, city-dwelling masses, it reached its highest potency.
Things got rowdier as cups emptied and more people packed the stage perimeter. I was twisted in an awkward position halfway onstage and halfway off, confined for most of the show. But my mind was completely free. There’s no time to think when the crowd is leveling you into a monitor, to a soundtrack of one of 2011’s best albums. All you can do is feel. The momentary loss of thought and physical control; the guitar wails spiraling into oblivion with the oil patterns on the projector screen; a little booze to fuel the ability to stick it out. This was the perfect sensory combination.
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The vocals weren’t always spot on—a sign of Joakim Nilsson’s weariness from the road, and being a long way from home in Sweden. But we couldn’t have asked for a better performance otherwise. They played a good mix of tracks from both Hisingen Blues and their self-titled. The sound was rich and the volume loud.
I don’t think it was possible to be at this show and not feel like you witnessed something special. But those of us who really poured ourselves into Graveyard’s set left the Bootleg with a lasting mark or two, whether it was a bruised kneecap, a renewed faith in good music selling out a good-sized venue, or simply the reverb of the blues in our ears. There’s something about this band that brings you into whatever world they’re in, and holds you there.
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HEAR GRAVEYARD
. . .
The Making of Graveyard’s Hisingen Blues
. . .
BUY HISINGEN BLUES
Nuclear Blast USA (CD, orange or blue LP)
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Nice write up Julia. I have, admittedly, avoided this band due to the types of fans you decribed. Perhaps that wasn’t entirely fair. Where is the Bootleg Theatre though?
A quick Google search reveals that it’s in LA. Graveyard is, indeed, something special.
A Google search isn’t necessary to verify that you’re a bit of a prick. I was asking the author since it seemed like an important omission. Thanks, though.
a google search isnt necessary to verify that you probably hate fun
a Google search would kill your only reason for a response and the need for attention and connection behind it. You’re the prick, prick.
Glad to hear these guys bring it live. Their recordings, while good, haven’t stuck out to me enough to put ‘em on replay.
David
I think its a bit ridiculous to care about someones fashion sense at all.
Badass writeup for a crazy tour. Great photos can always be expected at IO.
I did a writeup myself when they came through Boston.
These guys haven’t hit me the way Witchcraft did a few years ago, and I remember checking out one of their albums back then as well. Its too bad Witchcraft hasn’t capitalized on any of this momentum lately.
I’m always suprised that metal sites such as this have championed Graveyard. Sure, they’re decent but then why not cover the likes of Black Mountain or Tame Impala (i.e better bands)? Is it just because Graveyard are on Nuclear Blast that they popped on the radar? Good review, mind.
Excellent writeup, Julia. That show was one for the ages.
haha @ me checking my phone in that shot of the crowd. I’m an asshole.
Ha which one are you? lower right?
I love this venue purely for the beer selection. Last time I played a show here I made the fatal error of skipping dinner, instead relying on Uinta Dubhe (imperial black IPA, 9.2%) for sustenance. Someone snapped a photo of me a few hours later: unconscious, sprawled on the sidewalk in front of a taco truck. Lesson learned!
Wish I could have made it to this show!
Haha, implying that Black Mountain is better than Graveyard because nobody talks about them is some hilarious hipster reverse engineering. Nobody talks about Black Mountain because they’re fucking awful.
That wasn’t my intention really. I just don’t hear the difference, obviously you do, I’m just a little mystified as to the press they receive in metal circles. Black Mountain are certainly talked about elsehwere. No hipster connotations intented. Genuine enquiry is all – feel free to explain.
After reading these comments, I think I’d rather hang out with the uber fashion conscious folks at the g’yard show than anyone reading this post.
Ha!
Back on topic, so many great 70s-rock bands right now, and the new Imperial State Electric album isn’t even out yet. I wouldn’t /couldn’t listen to this stuff all of the time, but it definitely scratches an itch for me. And metal or no, I’m glad the metal press covers it, because that’s where I get most of my music news.
Slightly off topic, have you seen the lineup for Hellfest this year? It’s incredibly diverse, with both underground bands and radio rock stalwarts. Hell, King Diamond and Turbonegro are sharing the same stage. I like that kind of “big tent” attitude toward heavy music. If it has loud guitars and good songs, I’m in. Maybe it’s because I’m too old to worry about being part of a scene. Plus, to paraphrase Groucho Marx, I’m not sure I would want to be part of any scene that would have me as a member.
Love the photos. Awesome band. Both albums 100 per cent solid gold. Can’t wait to see them some day.
Saw them on their sweep thru Portland–it was great! Full house, great sound, high energy. There was a guy doin the “liquid light show” off to the side–he was havin fun, too. One thing I’ve always noticed about Scandinavian bands–they always, always, have the best gear. Thanks.