The music world can be strange. Friday night, Sweeping Promises were opening a sold out show for Bikini Kill in front of over two thousand people, where Kathleen Hanna said they were the best band in the world. Saturday night, they were playing a free show at Myrtle in East Providence, RI in front of around one hundred fifty people. And they may have proven Kathleen Hanna right.
I've seen Sweeping Promises twice in the past three years, and really enjoyed them. They've always had an indie/DIY take on post punk, and their live show reflected that. But something changed since I saw them in August 2023: They went from a really good live band to a great live band. It's always thrilling to see a band make that transformation, and Saturday night Sweeping Promises showed a packed Myrtle exactly how solid of a band they've become
It doesn't hurt that they have more beloved songs than I realized they have. I felt a little unexpected thrill as the band started most of their songs. "Eraser," "Cross Me Out," and "Pain without a Touch?" All amazing songs. And the rest of the crowd had the same excitement I had. It was the same response an audience has at a reunion show when they're hearing songs live they never expected to see live, and not for a band that regularly tours in the area. But that is the power of Sweeping Promises.
Plus, they're just fun to watch. Lira Mondel is an unassuming but captivating singer. You just want to lock on her and everything she's doing with every song, but on the other side is Caulfield Scnug playing his guitar like a hybrid of Thurston Moore and Elvis Costello. What more could you want in a band?
Opening the show was a solid set by Zowy (promounced Zoe), the musical project of Zoe Wyner. Playing as a duo for most of the set, it was an ethereal yet poppy selection of songs. They kind of landed somewhere between electronic music and indie rock with their moody sound. At times it was kind of like if an electronic noise musician decided to try to make a Top 40, and I mean that in a great way. Looking forward to seeing where Zowy goes next.
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