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It is the day after the third Shiny Fest, and I can’t stop thinking about balloons.
Shiny Fest’s intent was not only to tout its own roster and releases via Shiny Boy Press, but to also celebrate others that they find inspiring. Being a festival meant not being able to see it all, three rings in full effect, with folks selling things outside, bands playing in the main room, DJs and other acts upstairs, and even stand-up comedy between some sets. All were encouraged to be “down with the clown”, so to speak, some in full make up, others sporting red noses, the venue festooned in brightly-colored balloons and pennons.
From where I sat, the progression of the ring of the circus in the main room flowed well. Fuchsia Casual was a good pairing with Herald, both creating sound-worlds to be played and sung over, the vibe mellow with a touch of melancholy. HVS (Holiday Video Star) kicked it up a notch with a spirited set, clear catharsis for the singer. We were then in a slightly different place, Eyas and Nina Gala both performing well-crafted compositions, the former more stately, the latter more hypnotically minimal. Both were beguiling.
Nina Gala
KAZ
KAZ, performing as a duo, kicked off the wilder side of the evening, finding a place between song and spoken poetry to explore over their set. The avant skronk and scree of Mowder Oyal was powerful to the point of room-clearing, but I dug it and stuck around. SLOT has, over time, become a performance powerhouse, their floor set allowing many interactions with an enthusiastic crowd.
SLOT
Grudge
Earlier in the evening, a member of the band Grudge batted a balloon at me in a friendly way. I batted it back. During the band’s set, a guaranteed ripper, the crowd occasionally pelted the group with balloons, creating a wonderfully surreal scene, hardcore sets usually being stage-crowded with stage divers.
At this point, I admit that being nine sets deep may have begun to wear on me. I enjoyed Sleeptalk but found them fast and furious to the point of personal overload, a rare thing. I look forward to seeing them again when I am not so deep in show-viewing. There was rising anticipation for Music Mouse’s set, and they delivered, sharing new songs that built upon their brand of complex post-punk tension, favorites being met with cheers.
Music Mouse
Androgynous Bulge
After a lurching, pulsing interlude courtesy of Androgynous Bulge, headliners The Death Set took the stage, blazing through a mix of old and new songs, some being such deep cuts that crowd members were in clear “I can’t believe they are playing this song” reverie. The band’s return to Baltimore, which it once called home, was appreciated and tied together the new with what has come before. I have been here for all of it, so it was a pleasing thing to see.
The Death Set
The Death Set
Shiny Fest 3 has come and gone. The above is what I saw and heard. What did you see? What did you hear? How many balloons did you pop? In any case, long may Shiny Boy Press carry on, doing their best to support and bring energy to the Baltimore underground! See you at Shiny Fest 4. I’ll bring the balloons.
