From the Mar 24 – Mar 30, 2005 issue

Music

UNDERAGE

by Megan Seling

Last month, residents of the Punkin House, the University District's bright-orange basement-show mecca, received news that the house was being sold and they would have to move. The space has been hosting shows since 1999 (the first featured Milemarker and Yaphet Kotto), and for the past five years, they've crammed local and national bands into the basement, accepting many genres--including noise, punk, crust, pop--and, of course, always allowing all ages.

As a farewell project, the Punkin House kids are putting together a eulogy zine to pass out at the last show. It will be a collection of old flyers, photos, and memories submitted by those who used to live there, or who just loved the venue. There are also plans to include a CD of bands who've graced the basement. Info on submitting material can be found at www.seattlediy.com/punkinhouse.

Before the house's April 3 grand finale, though, there are a few more notable shows. Sunday, March 27, Bellingham's indie-pop outfit Racetrack plays with USS Horsewhip, Leuko, and Speaker Speaker. Speaker Speaker are a new band featuring former members of Vermilion; they've left all the math/prog-rock business behind to play snappy pop songs with catchy melodies that take me back to 1996 when I was listening to a lot of Sicko, Nerf Herder, and early Weston. It's fun, and perfect for sunny days. Leuko are great too, featuring former members of both Seaweed and Polecat. They have the same intensity as Polecat, but with thicker melodies. And on Tuesday, March 29, Ancille and the Red Robot play. Both shows start at 7:30 p.m. with a vegan potluck happening before the show at 6:00 p.m. They're asking for $3-$5 donations at the door for the touring bands.

And though the housemates don't have to be out until May 1, the Punkin House, as noted above, will see its final hurrah April 3. The stellar lineup features Akimbo (who played one of the first Punkin House shows), Funeral Diner, Der Trasch, the Assailant, Outside Alcatraz, Joshua Powell, and Chris Hong.

San Francisco's Funeral Diner create a furious wall of noise. I've never seen 'em live, but they sound fantastic on disc. Paired with Akimbo's thick and heavy hardcore, this show is sure to bring down the house--or at least shake the foundation. It'll start early at 5:00 p.m., with a vegan potluck at 4:00 p.m., and there's a $5 cover that will go to the touring bands.

Another show that needs to be brought to your attention is at Ground Zero, also on March 27. The Fall of Troy (who are currently putting finishing touches on their Equal Vision debut) play with a Kiss Farewell, Joules, and Claymore. Claymore have a badass metal attack that will soon have the city by the throat, and Joules are becoming a favorite the more I listen to their collection of dynamic instrumentals on their debut Laser Cannon and Street Thunder. I suggest you pick up a copy right quick.

megan@thestranger.com

See All-Ages Events in our Calendar »

Buy Tickets for Other Events