Linda Bean Pardee - The Chelsea Curve

2022 got off to a challenging start, as far as live shows are concerned, with the post-holiday upsurge of the Covid Omicron variant scaring bookers, performers and spectators away from the clubs. And now, just as the numbers are starting to decline, a major nor’easter is rapidly on its way to bury us in white, resulting in even more postponements this weekend.

The Chelsea Curve Singles Scene was no exception to this inconvenience, having to cancel its second in the series from its prior January 7 date. Thankfully, the timing of the omicron decline and blizzard’s late evening arrival worked out perfectly in their favor with the rescheduled date today during its cocktail hour.

DJ Sherman

Stepping inside the Jungle at 5:00pm, my trepidation was instantly eliminated with the sight of a very respectable draw. DJ Sherman set the tenor wonderfully spinning some new wave and garage rock faves while the crowd mingled and drinks were dispensed.

Muck and the Mires

The featured band, Muck and the Mires, hit the stage at 6:00 and instantly the place was shakin’! These local veterans of garage rock have been bringing it on for over 20 years and they ain’t slowing down any time soon! Even during the crippling pandemic, they gave us not only one but two new releases!

Lead singer/guitarist Muck (Evan Shore to his Mom) very much exemplifies the instant energy and infectious melodies of the best ‘60s style garage rock can offer, and he and his “Mires” (Pedro on lead guitar and John Quincy on bass, and Jessie Best on drums) are right on point with their power and charismatic stage antics! They did a 15 song set that didn’t let up and I was shaking my booty nonstop with everybody else! Anyone who hasn’t seen Muck and the Mires yet owes themselves a big favor to check them out next time they’re playing. You will not be disappointed!

The Chelsea Curve

After the Muck cleared, our beloved hosts Chelsea Curve took it home with their own baker’s dozen set of killer mod-style rock! Their “singles” drops of course were featured, plus other selections presumably to be released on their upcoming full-length CD this spring. Lead Curve bassist/singer Linda Bean Pardee marveled at Muck’s energy level and admitted that she wasn’t sure she could keep up that level of excitement. She needn’t have worried at all - they more than held their own on stage! A highlight was their cover of mod-punk legends the Jam’s "In the City", with guitarist Tim Gillis taking lead vocals. And they finished the set (and event) appropriately with their single "Top it Up", which I promptly did with pleasure! Looking forward to their next “batch of allure” event later this month or next month. Not to mention their esteemed placement the first night of the Boston Calling festival (headliners include Foo Fighters and Avril Lavigne) Memorial Day weekend! Congrats to C Curve on that one!

The Chelsea Curve

Muck and the Mires

Muck and the Mires