This is No Place Like Home. The point of this column is to interview bands about their hometowns and why they love where they’re from. When traveling it is always best to have a local to direct you to the spots worth spending your time and hard-earned money.
When one of our readers travels to a place that is foreign to them they will have some solid recommendations from an awesome source, one of their favorite bands!
I know I look forward to checking out some of these places and am sure that there are many others who would be interested.
Eventually, the intention is to have a full-blown travel guide here at B.G.M.!
One of my favorite noise rock bands is the mighty Fight Amp. When they announced that the time had come to put a bow on their incredible run I was naturally a little bummed out. However, as the saying goes, when one door closes another one opens. Mike McGinnis, Jon DeHart, Dan Smith are joined by Itarya Rosenberg to form Low Dose. They released a ridiculously good new record via Brutal Panda/Knife Hits Records and you better give it a spin before you start crafting your AOTY list for 2019.
It’s been seven months since their record came out and is still on heavy rotation. It never gets old. Maybe its because there is something so familiar about the music. If it would have been released back in the 90s I’m sure Low Dose would be featured in all of the documentaries about that era; giving interviews alongside King Buzzo, providing their take on Kurt and Courtney’s relationship. But this is much more than 90s worship.
Low Dose delivers a noisy kick to the teeth by a boot covered with grunge and sludge-filled goodness.
So when they announced their west coast tour and there was a stop in Seattle alongside Glose and the legendary Cherubs it was a no-brainer. I needed to get that boot to the face in person. When they took the stage the pre-recorded intro to “Right On” filled the room. Itarya Rosenberg occupied the middle of the stage. Big mood. She danced as the rest of the band stood still waiting and listening to the pre-recorded intro. She commanded attention in that half a minute that I could only compare to Audrey Horne enchanting whatever room she graced in Twin Peaks. And then BOOM. The band erupted with precision and power.
The show was mesmerizing. All of the songs that have been ringing around my head for the last seven months were brought to life. Everyone in the room seemed to play off of the energy that Itarya was giving off yet the melodic and stoner-friendly grooves kept the crowd from completely losing their shit. After they were done I didn’t want it to be over. We were treated to one new song so let’s hope that means a sequel to their self-titled debut is in the works. Their Bandcamp page shows that the LP is sold out but a quick search seems to locate a few for sale via other outlets. Get that shit!
Rating: record 5/5 and show 10/5
A huge thanks to Mike McGinnis (guitar, vocals) for taking the time to answer our questions about the hometown of Low Dose!
Where does Low Dose call home and how long have you been there?
Are there any attractions you would consider touristy that you would also consider a can’t-miss for visitors?
If you are hosting friends or family for a weekend, where would you bring people for grub?
A key to any hometown is a local watering hole. Any spots that you like to go for drinks? Breweries, dive bars, distilleries…whatever floats your boat.
Music is life. What music venues should people be checking the calendars for shows to catch?
After working up a sweat at a good show are there any late-night spots to grab a bite or a nightcap?
The morning after can be rough. Where is your go-to for breakfast and/or coffee?
To get out of town life, what are the nature-based options surrounding your city? Any good hikes, camping and other fun outdoors stuff to do.