ROCK THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY: A few young rock bands playing this week rock with a spirit of yesteryear, rocking in the old-fashioned way — and I don’t mean in the way of a peaceful old guard of ’60s songsmiths flanked reverently around their shared acoustic legacies, rocking fatherly and sagely. I mean rock of the happily excessive, flagrantly disobedient, wildly spirited variety, when groupies were guaranteed and roads were open passages to eternal youth. Of these, S.B.’s The DTEASE, who play with Retrodemon at Whiskey Richards (437 State St.) tomorrow, Friday, August 26, at 10 p.m., like their rebellion full of glam-punk showmanship, including stage combat, while The Wild Feathers, who open for Band of Horses tomorrow at 8 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre (1317 State St.) like it in road-trip style, unbounded, psychedelic, and anthemic. Here is a look at both of them.
WHAT A DTEASE: Once upon a time, rock music was one of the most powerful and destructive forces known to man, capable of terrifying governments and concerned parents alike. That’s the kind of rock The DTEASE love. “The DTEASE push things to where they feel like they are constantly on the verge of blowing apart,” says frontman Wilson Gil. Their stage shows have been known to include smashed instruments, scantily clad stage combatants, pyrotechnics, and bursts of glitter, with the high-powered energy that can make a venue seem ready to crumble in supplication.
The DTEASE lament the lack of rock ’n’ roll showmanship in contemporary music and strive to bring a bit of spectacle back to the fray. “Nowadays there are no captivating live shows; the lead singer doesn't give a fuck and is up there chewing gum,” says bassist Terry Luna. There are no thousand-yard stares of shyness here; the band engages directly with the audience, so be prepared to be a part of the show. “We want the crowd involved as much as we are,” says drummer Mike Sharpe.