If It's Too Loud...

As part of Matthew Flynn of Thought Bomb w/Matthew Flynn's fortieth birthday celebrations, Ralph's Diner hosted an evening of unique, experimental, and at times odd music. We got Providence's Minibeast and Brooklyn's Hard Nips teaming up for a birthday celebration. The night had a very laid back feel, more like a party than an official show. Part of this was most likely because I seemed to be the only person in attendance who didn't personally know Matthew Flynn and was just there for the night. Minibeast, led by Peter Prescott (Mission of Burma, Volcano Suns), took the stage as a trio. Prescott took vocal, guitar, and electronic noise duties along with a bass player and drummer. Minibeast take the loops that Mission of Burma trailblazed with and pushed them even further. It was loops upon loops upon loops. At one point in mid song Prescott left the stage to order a drink from the bar, and the song just kept going. It was a high energy performance heavy on noise, bu...

Hard Nips may be based in Brooklyn, but three of its members is originally from different parts of Japan (Okinawa, Nagano, and Osaka), while a fourth is from Long Island. The band bonded in a Japanese bar and restaurant in Brooklyn that Yoko (singer and keyboards) ran. Eventually they decided to try forming a band, and Hard Nips was formed in 2009. At the time they had no idea how to play instruments, but their enthusiasm propelled them. At first it was just something they did for fun, with no intention of making public. Now, twelve years, two albuums, and three EPs later, their latest single, "Blender X," is this killer mix of 60's soul and doo wop with early punk and New Wave. It's like The Crystals and The Ronettes partying with Blondie and The B-52s, with some vintage garage rock riffs thrown in. I honestly don't know how anyone can resist this combination. You can listen to "Blender X" below. Master Cat will be released on Dadstache Records on June ...