Live Shows: Messer Chups and Crimson Ghosts, Alchemy, Providence, RI 11/2/25

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There are some shows you just can't miss. Considering I didn't do too many Halloween things before Halloween, once I heard that spooky surf rockers Messer Chups were playing Alchemy in Providence, I simply had to go. First of all, they're from Saint Petersburg, Russia, so they don't tour in the US too often. Second... how am I supposed to resist spooky surf rock?

Messer Chups were exactly as advertised. Surf rock with a sci-fi and horror twist was everything I wanted it to be. Surf rock and vintage sci-fi and horror always have a little bit of a kitschy quality to them, and that's what I was hoping for Sunday night. The vast majority of the songs were instrumental, so I'm not exactly sure which ones were played, but with song titles in their repertoire such as "Electric Zombierella," "Dracula Hates Photoshoots," and "Rockin' Zombie," how could you go wrong? It was definitely a crowd-pleasing set, with most of the audience gleefully losing their minds throughout. Plus, guitarist/band founder Oleg Gitarkin is one hell of a guitar player, solidifying the fun of the evening.

Opening the show were Crimson Ghosts, a band that plays instrumental surf covers of Misfits songs. I was unsure of how much I'd enjoy it since I'm a casual Misfits fan at best, but I was shocked at how many songs I recognized, even played without vocals in a surf rock style. Songs like "Last Caress" and "Skull" were instantly recognizable, even without the pumped-up crowd joyfully singing along. (Crimson Ghosts did lead the crowd for some lyrics, albeit without any amplification.) They ended up being a surprise addition to my Halloweekend. 

On Repeat...

Holiday Ghosts - "Slipstream"

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The latest single from Holiday Ghosts hearkens back to when pop music was weird. "Slipstream" will remind you of classic early alternative artists like Talking Heads, The Modern Lovers, and Violent Femmes, but it also has the 90's slacker vibe of Pavement and Beck. It turns into a crazily fun and just offbeat enough indie rock/pop song. You can watch the video for "Slipstream" below. West Bay Playroom , the new album from Holiday Ghosts, will be released February 15 on PNKSLM Recordings. The album was recorded in band member Sam Stacpoole's childhood home, specifically his old playroom. You can pre-order the album here . For more on Holiday Ghosts, check out their Facebook .
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Liam Kazar - "Shoes Too Tight"

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Photo by Alexa Viscius This may be Liam Kazar's debut single, but the Chicago based musician already has an impressive resume, having worked with Jeff Tweedy, Chance the Rapper, Steve Gunn, Daniel Johnston, and others. "Shoes Too Tight" features childhood friend Spencer Tweedy on drums, Lane Beckstrom on bass, and Ohmme on vocals. It's an absurdly fun and groovy little song that is a party waiting to happen. What he gives us here is a timeless song that could truly have been released any time since the 1960's (ok... maybe not the 80's...) There are elements of classic rock, 60's crooners and R&B, indie rock, modern Americana... it's really just packed with everything in a cohesive song that maintains the vibe the entire way through. You can watch the video for "Shoes Too Tight" below. For more on Liam Kazar, check him out on Instagram and Twitter . He's also raising money on his Bandcamp for Constellation and The Hungry Brain. ...
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Midnight Peg - "Thirstland"

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Photo by Cecil Sykes Midnight Peg are an Edmonton, AB based band that are referred to as "madhouse punk." Their latest single, "Thirstland," is a just barely under control two minute burst of punk. You have guitar riffs that will make you think of At the Drive In, and somewhat spoken and yelled vocals which create a feeling of chaos throughout. This is a loud and angry track that is completely in your face. But, unlike most tracks this loud and punk based, "Thirstland" still keeps a sense of art in their music. Midnight Peg feel like a higher class of loud, angry punk rock. This one is great, with just enough of an emo undercurrent to make the song kind of melodic and almost palatable to a mainstream audience. You can listen to "Thirstland" below. Skinning is due out in October on Thousand Island Records. For more on Midnight Peg, check out the artist's website .
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