Just back from a tour of the East Coast supporting their new Pitchfork-approved EP, Vexx play restless and persuasive hardcore, anchored by the charismatic presence of lead singer Maryjane Dunphe. Together with Broken Water, they represent some of the best of the Olympia music scene. Broken Water, too, have new […]
G.L.O.S.S Lives Outside Society’s Shit
By Blaine Ewig G.L.O.S.S. is the band that everyone has been talking about since long before they existed; they’re the thing that needed to happen. The Olympia supergroup is comprised of members of Vexx, Slouch, Body Betrayal, and other Olympia punk bands. They haven’t even gone on their first tour […]
Chain & The Gang Inaugurate Northern’s New Home
By Blaine Ewig It was the Northern: Olympia All-Ages Project’s first night back at the Midnight Sun after moving from its Legion Way location. The night started late, but no one in the audience was phased by the lack of punctuality. The place was full of Olympia scene veterans greeting old […]
Death of Hysterics
Olympia Hardcore-Punk Band Sells Out Final Show
By Josh Wolf More than 150 people packed the Northern Friday Oct. 10 to watch Olympia-born hardcore-punk band Hysterics, while some 50 others hung out outside of the sold-out show. This was the last time Olympia would ever see Hysterics. Dedicated fans from British Columbia, Oregon, California, and Idaho travelled to […]
Best New Music: 2013-14
Here’s what we think you should be listening to. By ISSAC SCOTT While everyone fawns over Portland, Chicago and Austin as hot spots for new music, Olympia quietly ferments the kind of sublime weirdness that has contributed disproportionately to overall “alternative culture,” whatever that means. Obviously, themes established by riot […]
Best New Music: VEXX – “VEXX”
VEXX – VEXX (M’Lady Records) By BLAINE EWIG Vexx’s self-titled EP answers the question “Is punk dead?” with a loud and adamant “NO.” Their argument for that assertion sounds pretty convincing, too; the EP is cohesive, powerful, and more calculated than one might expect from a debut. Vexx is well-versed […]