Welcome to the latest in a series of posts previewing the 2016 Rock And Roll Rumble, our city's annual throw down that doubles as a monthlong local music festival unlike any other. This year's Rumble goes down April 3 to April 22 at ONCE Ballroom and Lounge in Somerville, is organized and presented by Boston Emissions with Anngelle Wood, with the Verb Hotel and Vanyaland on board as official sponsors. For our full Rumble coverage, click here; for tickets and venue information, click here.
What You Need To Know:
Rock And Roll Rumble Preliminary Night 4
Thursday, April 7 at ONCE Ballroom, 156 Highland Ave. in Somerville MA
With 21st Century Fugitives, Abbie Barrett, I Was Awake, Johnny Blazes and the Pretty Boys.
Doors at 8:30 p.m., 21 to drink, $10 in advance and $15 at the door
Advance tickets, Facebook event page
How The Night Stacks Up:
After a much-needed day of rest, we'll all be recharged and roaring to Rumble come Thursday's Night 4. And it's a good thing we'll have slept early the night before, as this night's slate is perhaps the most movin' and shakin' of the entire prelim week. There's reckless youth (21st Century Fugitives) and seasoned vets (Abbie Barrett and her band), heavy guitars (I Was Awake) and heavy glitter (Johnny Blazes and the Pretty Boys). It all adds up to a night that's impossible to predict, though we have to admit we could see Barrett winning the whole thing.
Get To Know The Bands:
10:15 p.m.: Abbie Barrett
HOMETOWN: Boston, Massachusetts
SONG YOU NEED TO HEAR: November single “That Shame”
BIO: Abbie Barrett captivates by writing and performing great songs. It’s really that simple. There’s an irreverent edge to her music, and it seems she’s less concerned with molding a song into some formula than just letting it be what it wants. Holding it all together is a kick-ass band and Barrett’s voice, which can go from a quiet, sweet lullaby to a snarky yell at the turn of a dime. In 2014, Barrett won a Boston Music Award in the category of Best Singer-Songwriter for her efforts. Her upcoming release That Shame embraces all-out rock, coming on strong with heavy, layered guitar, driving bass, and hard-hitting drums. The tracks are high energy, slightly angry, and a little depressing. But in a fun way!
VIDEO YOU NEED TO WATCH: “Draw Me In”, live at the Lizard Lounge
WHY THEY CAN WIN: She’s got momentum — Barrett took home Singer-Songwriter of the Year in last year’s Boston Music Awards, while also being nominated for Best Female Vocalist. And in her band, she’s got music scene veterans who know a thing or two about Rumbling, including Ed Valauskas (Gravel Pit, The Gentlemen, Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents) and Josh Kiggans (of 2008 winners Girls, Guns, & Glory). But we’re firm believers that a great song is the greatest thing a band can ever be armed with, and Barrett has more than a few, especially last year’s “That Shame”.
TWITTER: Follow Abbie Barrett on Twitter @abbiebarrett.
