Boston Calling Recap (con't)
- by Dan McMahon (@dmcmhn) and Paul Jordan Talbot

Krill started things off on Saturday with a short, straightforward set. At just around twenty-five minutes, the band looked very unassuming as they moved through their songs. Sonically, they brought their tight rhythms and freaky vocals out in full force, but the band seemed skeptical of the oversized venue. The awkwardness was summed up by bassist/lead vocalist Jonah Furman’s comment, “Thanks for watching, Tenacious D is up next”, just before they walked off stage. From someone familiar with their natural habitat of dive bars and DIY house shows, it was a bit like watching a fish out of water. Audience/band chemistry aside, they were one of the only down and dirty rock band’s to play a very pop dominated festival, and I like to think the Pixies would name them their pick of the festival.

The Ballroom Thieves opened up the final day of the festivities and were immediately welcomed with cheers and a large crowd singing along to most of their set. I was most impressed at how tight their songs were--starts, stops, changes in dynamics, rich vocal harmonies, everything was executed smoothly and deliberately. There were several moments throughout the set where it was quite obvious the band was genuinely enjoying being a part of such a high -profile event. Smiling out at the crowd (and back at one another), it was nice to see a band enthusiastic about performing (and listening to their harmonies wasn’t bad, either).
 

The day before their set, the band was kind enough to offer me a cup of whiskey and talk a little bit about their upcoming performance and recent tour. When asked about their reaction to being added to the Boston Calling lineup, drummer Devin Mauch remarked “[w]e have a very loyal team, built from the ground-up, that have helped to lay the right tracks. We’re really honored [to play Boston Calling].” Lead vocalist/guitarist Martin Earley echoed Mauch’s thoughts. “The [Boston] music scene is so loyal,” says, Earley, “[so many] people will support you.”

The band unanimously agreed that their most recent tour was by far their most successful. “It’s nice to see organic word of mouth pay off”, says cellist/bassist/vocalist Calin Peters. In the past, according to the band, lots of tour stops would have fairly low turnout, but this time around, attendance has increased. “At this point as a band, we’re vulnerable,” says Mauch, “it’s nice to have that support.”

Photo credit: Brendan Bowen (@BrendanBowen)