For the second week in May, Knocks is focusing on some of the harder stuff to make you sweat during this unseasonably cool spell.

First up, doom stars The Proselyte (left) headline O'Brien's this Thursday. Knocks isn't really sure if the band is going to fit their full guitar stacks onto O'Brien's tiny stage, but we will surely be packing earplugs nevertheless. This show marks the return of guitarist Nicholas Wolf, on the mend from an injured arm. Also performing are Pride Parade, Music Hates You, and Zip-Tie Handcuffs.

As Saturday rolls around, we're going to be kicking it at O'Brien's a little longer. Roadsaw is practically an Allston Rock City supergroup. They have the sound trademarked. Slim Jim and the Mad Cows bring the country-friend metal. Or is it metal-friend country? Opening the night are The Country Doctors, who are liable to get the regulars cryin' into their whiskey can.



At the Paradise Rock Club this upcoming Monday, Boston welcomes wayward warriors Cracktorch back to the stage.

Born out of the seemingly-limitless talent pool that was Boston around the turn on the millenium, The Torch burned brightly for nearly a decade before going their separate ways. Formed by Quintaine Americana bassist Marc Schleicher and Vehicle Birth guitarist Chris Jackson, Cracktorch debuted in 1997 with a split album alongside Los Conquistadores. Wearing a heavy Helmet influence upon their sleeve, the album (dubbed Lost Pony Soldier Tales) was a blend of hard riffage and dark humor. Crispin Glover quotes! Crazy sound collages!

Joined by bassist Staci Fick and drummer Nick Zampiello (Campaign For Real Time), the band went on to become finalists at the annual WBCN Rock N Roll Rumble in 2001. Along with opening for the newly reunited Mission of Burma, as well as Queens of the Stone Age and Murder City Devils, Cracktorch released Cracktorch... Is Not The Problem in 2002, debuting a sound highly indebted to The MC5 and The Who, even going so far as to include 4 songs at the end of the album showcasing each member's varied personality. The band was also a live favorite, in no small part due to charismatic frontman Schleicher.

New bassist Bob Maloney (Quitter) joined shortly following Fick's departure to return to school. Continuing with their high profile Boston shows opening for Kings of Leon, as well as touring, the band was kept busy. Schleicher and Zampiello formed the production team Cokedealer, Maloney was an in-demand graphic designer, and Jackson a talent buyer at The Middle East as well as for the NEMO festival. Their third album Tonight The City featured increased contributions from Jackson as well as Maloney, forming a vocal triple threat.

However, this partnership was to be short lived, and the group went their separate ways in the latter part of the decade. This reunion show is their first in years. Joined by Violent Soho, West-Coast punks The Bronx, as well as their side project Mariachi El Bronx, Monday night will be quite the Boston rock reunion.



Regular Boston reviews / features will be resuming shortly. In the meantime, we wanted everyone to be aware of two shows this week!

This Thursday, up-and-coming roots rockers Movers and Shakers (read the Knocks review here) are opening for Atlanta GA freaksters The Black Lips at The Middle East Downstairs.

Orchestra Morphine return to The Middle East Downstairs this Friday. Morphine, fronted by the late, legendary Mark Sandman, pioneered the "low rock" sound, and continue to perform in various incarnations to this date.



Sasquatch and the Sick-a-billys (left) bring their psychobilly mix to O'Brien's (the perfect venue for them) on Thursday. Watch out for flying beer bottles, and puke (no, seriously). With them are old time rock'n'rollers The Egos. Shows at O'Brien's are 21+, and this one is $8.

Also at O'Brien's, this Saturday You Lion celebrates the release of their EP ""End It On The Bridge". They are sandwiched between openers Nassy, and the mighty Piles headlining. Piles are a mostly instrumental 3 piece with hard hitting drums and Slint dynamics. This is a rare show for them, and not to be missed.

Sunday night, you can catch the recently reunited Shore Leave playing a free show at The Middle East Downstairs. Their brand of math-rock isn't just technically impressive, but it is also hooky - you might recognize their tune "Water" on a commercial for WBZ-TV news. Joinig them are Air Traffic Controller, and Mugison (from Iceland) - the whole evening is a part of the Taste Of Iceland event.



If you happen to be stuck in Boston this weekend and not coming to New York for our Knocks showcase at the Delancey, there are options!

Jenny Dee and the Deelinquents are hosting their CD Release party Friday night at TT The Bear's. You might know Jen from her stints in The Downbeat 5 and The Dents. Joining her are Barrence Whitfield and the Monkeyhips, Jordan Valentine & the Sunday Saints (ex- World's Greatest Sinners), Gene Dante & The Future Starlets, Blizzard of 78, and Jed Parish. Eli "Paperboy" Reed and the DJ's of Soul-le-lu-jah spin between sets. This is a night of soul, R&B, and rock that is not to be missed.

Saturday the 6th, Dear Leader performs at Great Scott. Headed by Aaron Perrino, the band continues the anthemic tradition of The Sheila Divine (who Perrino fronted). Also performing are Arletta and The Hush Now.