There’s no band I’m more excited to see at this year’s Block Party
than Smell mainstays and Chino, California, prodigal sons Abe
Vigoda. They’ve been to Seattle several times over the years,
playing great little house shows in Madrona and the Central District,
but something inexplicable happened to the band in the past year. Abe
Vigoda stopped playing straightforward thrashy chant-along songs, and
started making some of the most creative music to come out of their
young punk community in a while. Their newest album, Skeleton,
with its high-pitched tropical guitars, upbeat drumming, and
singers Juan Velazquez and Michael Vidal trading vocals so laid-back
they sound like they were recorded sitting down, may as well be their
debut. It sounds like the true arrival of a band that are ready to
make some big noise. Rumor is the band will be going on tour with
Block Party headliners Vampire Weekend later this year. Looking
into the old crystal ball, I predict that, by the end of that tour, the
boys in Abe Vigoda will dethrone the headliners as America’s most hyped
band.
Also sure to kick your ass and get you restoked on life, are the
five awesome young ladies of L.A.’s Mika Miko. Last summer, the
girls came to Seattle and absolutely demolished the SS Marie Antoinette
with a set of punk-rock Riot Grrrl fury so powerful it transformed an
otherwise meek Seattle crowd into an unruly mob. Few bands are as
inspiring, party starting, and good time vibing as these five gals, who
list Reagan Youth, Black Flag, and Bad Brains as
some of their main influences. Their sound may lack some of the anger
of those pioneers, but the energy and attitude are definitely
there.
Capitol Hill Block Party is a time to celebrate some amazing music,
party hard, and enjoy a crazy hot weekend in the city. The Vera Project
has done a great job booking a solid all-ages lineup of local acts for
both days of the festival, but Friday afternoon is especially stacked,
and Abe Vigoda and Mika Miko are definite highlights of the madness.
Abe Vigoda play at 5:15 pm; Mika Miko play at 6:30 pm. Fri July
25, Capitol Hill Block Party, Vera Stage, $18, all-ages.