Tradition more often than not tends to bite Boston in the ass, but some traditions end up putting a spotlight on some of the best stuff that happens here on a daily basis. For 35 years, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble has taken bands that have strong ties to the Boston music scene and helps them gain greater exposure. It’s basically a rite of passage: Previous Rumble competitors include legendary names like The Dresden Dolls, Mission of Burma, the Lemonheads, Big D and the Kids Table, and Eli “Paperboy” Reed. And most of them didn’t even win! This year’s lineup was announced last night, letting us know who to keep an eye on.
The competing bands range stylistically, from the drunken folk ramblings of Tigerman WHOA, which will also play the big stage of Boston Calling this spring, to the experimental noise rock of Gondoliers. The bands also vary in experience, putting the psych rock sounds of Guillermo Sexo, a band which has released five albums, or Slowdim, some of Boston’s most refined musicians, on the same stage as sprightly newcomers like Harris Hawk and Doom Lover.
Starting April 6 and running through that week, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble prelims kick off at TT the Bear’s Place in Central Square. The semi-finals will be April 17-18, and the finals are scheduled for Friday, April 25. Nine-night passes are available now for the discounted price of $60.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble Class of 2014
