I. Blood Vulture

“This song’s about sucking blood.”

Frontman Jordan Olds introduced each song of the night with this qualifier. His charisma and clear joy in performing were palpable, and each subsequent declaration of the blood-sucking thematic content of their set, including a cover of Converge’s “You Fail Me” (which was stated to be decidedly not about sucking blood, but is now), never ceased to be hilarious and, somehow, unexpected.

This band is theatrical in their presentation and songwriting. With soaring vocal melodies that lean heavy on Jerry Cantrell-esque harmonies, powerhouse drumming, and guitar and bass that are the sludgiest of the sludgey, they are a heavy musical force. With their tight set, churning riffage, and an authentic display of love for the metal game, they absolutely delivered on the promise of their name.

A great way to start the night and get the blood flowing in a literal sense, Blood Vulture is an unquestionably good time for any metalhead.

II. Commitment

“We’re all out of songs,” remarked vocalist Tati Salazaar at the end of their set. The crowd expressed displeasure when we were informed that there was only one more song left. 

Commitment is a Philly hardcore band that wastes zero time and is explosive, sincere, raw, and consistent in their delivery. Having only been a band for a year, Soul Glo frontman and Commitment drummer Pierce Jordan offers up the latest in Philly’s deep-rooted punk history with his new collaborators. Joined by guitarist Jake Smith, bassist Zach Bailey, and the aforementioned Salazaar, the four-piece is everything you could ask for from a no-nonsense hardcore act. Inevitable comparisons will be made with local legends Mannequin Pussy, specifically the early years, yet Commitment carves out their own path with fiery precision. 

As with any true punk artist, it was difficult for me to distill the depth of the lyrical content, but I know there was a lot of rage on display across a range of themes. The only specifically cited lyrical topic was cuckolding. And based on that and some of the other lyrical tidbits I could decipher, it seems that a lot of their content is drawn from a well of personal experiences, most of which I assume to be not-so-fun. This type of introspective lyricism and artistry only serves to lend itself to the authenticity in the musical expression of some of humanity’s rawest emotions. I didn’t just hear it, I felt it. That’s punk rock, baby.

From the moment they took the stage to the moment they left, the crowd at Underground Arts was dialed in and letting it all out with the band. The juxtaposition between Salazaar’s vocal rage and her between-songs soft spoken demeanor only served to highlight the peak punk artistry on display. There’s a tendency to expect things from punk bands as far as their identity and “legitimacy,” but what Commitment helps make clear is that the reason they’re a band and not fringe political figures is because the music is front and center. They started a band, and they play as a band. If a movement comes out it, fuck yeah. But what artists like Commitment showcase is the importance of catharsis, empathy, and recognition of the world that surrounds us all. And how that can be tapped into at these shows. The power music has to bring us together cannot ever be overstated, and artists like Commitment prove that beyond a doubt.

This is a band to absolutely pay attention to as the year unfolds. Their debut LP is released next month, and I expect their trajectory will be pretty significant in the local scene and beyond.

III. Baroness

Baroness is pretty legendary. I discovered them at the very beginning of their musical outset and have closely and gleefully followed them through the years. Old-school Metallica by way of Fugazi, with about a hundred other unique influences thrown in, they are a difficult band to define by genre. Metal? Yes. What kind of metal? I don’t know, but definitely the good kind… In frontman John Dyer-Baizley’s own words at the show, “it’s hard to find bands that sound like us.”

He was referencing the diversity of sounds across the night’s bill. From theatrical sludge metal with Blood Vulture to old-school hardcore with Commitment, Baizley acknowledged how far apart each act might seem sonically. The diverse lineup of cross-genre artistry, however, made the night all the more special. It truly felt like a musical odyssey. So whatever you choose to define Baroness as, one thing they are without question is consistently epic.

For those familiar, each album takes the listener on a journey that evokes the feeling of the soundtrack to some mystical historical saga, but with more headbanging. Paired with Baizley’s famous visual artistry with the album artwork, the vibe is just a wholly realized artistic experience. And after two decades, they still have it as good as ever, as showcased at Underground Arts.

The show took the locked-in crowd through an even balance across their discography, from debut The Red Album to their latest release, Stone. The band has been through a lot in its history, but for the past several years, especially since the addition of lead guitarist Gina Gleason, they’ve been in peak form. Drummer Sebastian Thompson and bassist Nick Jost perfectly round out the lineup to create a soundscape from a four-piece that has the force of an orchestra. 

Having discovered them well before Baizley’s relocation to Philadelphia (he’s originally from Savannah, Georgia), I cannot fully articulate how special it feels to see him showcase and express so much love and gratitude for this city and its music scene. He found Commitment through their performance at Ukie Club last year. He shouted out what felt like half the crowd. He highlighted the importance of community and belonging. And he was so earnest and sincere in all of this. They say never meet your heroes, but Baizley is the type of guy I don’t think I’d refuse a coffee with. Just to hear his thoughts on life.

In short, Baroness is still up and at it, still writing music well worth your time and attention, and still putting on one hell of a show. They’re a band that’s easy to root for, and I’m excited to see what’s in store. If you get the chance, see them. Period. Baroness, to me, represents everything that’s actually good about any given music scene. They are emblematic of the fully actualized balance between artistry and community. They are, for lack of any better words, fucking cool.

Long live Baroness.

Setlist

Last Word
Under the Wheel
The Sweetest Curse
The Birthing
Green Theme
March to the Sea
Eula
Steel That Sleeps the Eye
Swollen and Halo
If I Have to Wake Up (Would You Stop the Rain?) / Fugue
Shock Me
Borderlines
The Gnashing

Encore:
Isak
Take My Bones Away