wolf face live review

Burgatory Festival Live Review + Concert Photos | Wolf-face, Sunshine State, Buffalo Buffalo, You Vandal, and more | St. Petersburg | May 23 2015

by • May 28, 2015

“Loooovers” piled into the smoky Fubar at midnight, summoned by either the howls of Wolf-face, the line-up of more than a dozen Florida bands, or the promise of cheap beers in the guise of Burgatory. Or, as one of my friend referred to the evening about a few drinks in, “Burpatory.” The early pun was the first sign it was going to be a great night. The next came the minute that bands hit the stages.

The annual gathering of Florida bands spans two bars: Fubar and the Local 662, alternating stages from about 5:30 p.m. to midnight. The formula technically makes it impossible to miss a single set, unless like me, you need the occasional taco break. I wish more festivals would follow create this sort of schedule with no performance conflicts. It’s easier for more bands to get exposure, especially when it’s honing in on the local scene.

Burgatory couldn’t get more local if they tried. Dipping into the Tampa hardcore scene, the St. Pete grungy pop punk, Orlando’s punk kings, and even Gainesville punk vets, I’d almost refer to the festival as the Florida punk rock talent show. Or maybe a classic battle of the bands, sans-high school gymnasium. It’s a taste of up-and-comers with a few seasoned winners (and wieners, since burgers were off the menu).

Dodging a few bullets of rain, my “pack” for the evening took sips and turns sizing up the crowds and bands for the evening. The rain dampened the momentum of years past, but I recognized loyal fans that were clearly too punk to let some soggy weather drown out their love for music. Or, beer. It’s hard to tell when you’re five PBRs in.

Anyway. Bands. As a local who enjoys the occasional feral ferocity that is Wolf-face, I can say I was not disappointed. The whole premise of their kitschy-punk show is wrapped around the Michael J. Fox film “Teen Wolf,” but taken to the next level.

Frontman Michael J. Wolf goes by no other name, and their aesthetic is emphasized by mustard colored jersey-wear for most of their performances. I’d almost describe them as extra fluffy, more guttural Andrew W.K.s with the occasional bite that matches their bark. If you’re into punk-y puns like “I Wanna Be a Homo(sapien)” conveniently wolf-themed covers, this is your perfect match.

But as much as Wolf-face wanted us all to be lovers, my heart belonged to Tallahassee three-piece Buffalo Buffalo. I confess, I was jamming to their release, Coping Systems, for several weeks beforehand, and it’s the most addictive indie punk I’ve sunk into in a while. Elements of noisy post-rock grabbed me immediately, but the potency in “Lick Fiberglass” hooked me. I was completely entranced, and I knew I wasn’t the only one when I saw the faces of the crowd itching to get closer to the stage.

Grungy emo-core was best served by Tampa outfit Big Brother and Bradenton pick Worst Party Ever. As far as most local and most catchy goes, these two stole the Local 662 stage with equal-parts presence and punch.

Gainesville flavors might still be the richest as far as musicianship goes at Burgatory. I fell for You Vandal at a past Burgatory, with pop punk bite that resonates best in the front row. But the gritty punk came from Sunshine State, a tangy taste made prominent by raspy frontman Troy Perlman and precise drumming by ex-Against Me! drummer Warren Oakes. (I’d also like to point out that Oakes is probably the most joyful, photogenic drummer I’ve ever seen.) Sunshine State is the ultimate dish of Gainesville splendor, offering nothing less than a shredding, noisey-rich experience.

Stegosaurus might have stolen the show for majority of the night–and it may help that they’re pals with Wolf-face. The St. Pete grunge-core outfit offered a guttural response to the ebbing hardcore performers of the night, revamping the energy and overall vibes of Fubar. When joined onstage by members of Wolf-face, the real voice of Burgatory seemed to shine for a moment–a party outlet, but with musicianship and zest that suits the local scene.

Burgatory Live Review by Amanda Starling.


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