Long before Atwood’s Tavern announced it was closing later this month, Matt Charette and the Truer Sound’s record release party this Friday (March 10) stood out as one of the highlights on not only the Cambridge joint’s calendar, but that of Boston music in general. Now the DIY singer-songwriter, Cape Cod native, and owner and namesake of Matt’s Barber Shop in Brighton is set to self-release Lo Fi High Hopes, and his weathered brand of punk-tinged Americana feels appropriate for a venue that’s suddenly sunsetting.
Which means that once again, we’re raising a bittersweet glass to a rapidly changing city, remembering the good times past and feeling uncertain about the future. One of the standouts on Lo Fi High Hopes is last month’s “Going Down Swinging,” a glistening tale of gritty perseverance and timeless rock and roll ethos that embodies the kind of spirit we’re all displaying — even as we consistently lose the various things that once made our city and scene worth celebrating.
“’Going Down Swinging’ is about standing up and fighting for what you believe in,” says Charette. “As long as you do it with love. It’s my anti-racist, anti-fascist, pro-kindness, pro-acceptance statement of hope.”
Raise that glass with Charette this weekend. The havens may come and go, and the houses of rock and roll may turn over with time, but the sentiment remains and the sound remains true. On this stage or the next.
MATT CHARETTE AND THE TRUER SOUND + LENNY LASHLEY :: Friday, March 10 at Atwood’s Tavern, 877 Cambridge St. in Cambridge, MA :: 9:30 p.m., 21-plus, $15 in advance and $20 at doors :: Event page :: Advance tickets