Gigantic Night Of Living Hiss
Night of Living Hiss. Night of Living Fest coverage. Honoring the Day of the Dead plus bands. The year is 2016 I believe November 2nd. Yours truly gets wind of Night of the Living Fest in Tucson Arizona. What attracts me to this music fest is local Philly band Purling Hiss are headlining the last of the three night fest. If I am not fabricating things Ty Segal is also playing.. however at that time he did not have the momentum that he is about to have in the next couple years following but there is definitely an increased interest at this time. A pivotal moment in music.
My concern and primary focus is to see Purling Hiss. In 2016 they have just unleashed a killer LP called High Bias on Drag City Records. Being in the same circles as the band members of P.H. this is a must see event. It’s rare that the band is from my former local area, playing AZ, and I’m a fan. For a bit more on Mike Polizze’s work outside of Purling Hiss, click here https://meatsheetfanzine.com/mike-polizze-long-lost-solace-find-paradise-of-bachelors/
So these three pictures don’t really do justice but they give you an idea of how this trio rolls. The singer and guitarist Mike and Ben just have natural symbiotic playing going on. More than likely due to the fact that they have played together in previous band. To name one, Birds of Maya ( highly recommended).
I may add I can’t kick myself hard enough for missing these guys when I lived in the same neighborhoods as they but, hey live and learn.
So the Tucson show. By the time the guys took stage, a sort of a lackluster showing as far as attendance. The fest is ending, on its last night. Hiss play with force nonetheless. I simply don’t know or care to know what the deal is with attendance. The weather was a little bit cooler for Arizona but once these guys took the stage it didn’t matter. This band plays the same be it for 20, 50, 1000+ people. Extremely well rehearsed and tight. Sometimes the music is tuneful and catchy. Other times they like to jam. Sometimes the jam can include a motif that repeats for a few minutes. This gives a chance for any one member or combination of the three to stretch out their sound. At this time you can see how they can throw down on their instruments. More on that below. Definitely not boring to me. A total blast.
The video I’m going to link is poppy , crisped up, rock. It’s more approachable than some of their material but that does not take away from their talent. In fact it just shows how good they are as they can write a song like this, and, are not afraid to go into noisy, more experimental territory. I might add, even though Mr Provenzano is not always on bass with Purling Hiss, the interplay and proficiency of playing among them is indisputable on this November eve in 2016.
A glorious time for me to look back on no doubt.
So if you want video here is one called “Follow You Around” Hooks and melody for days. If this is your first rodeo with the band, understand that Purling Hiss can throw down with the best and craft hummable songs. Onward, upward, to video..
Here it is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOSJAMFC3wQ
Extra note on them jamming. That is when it gets really interesting because they don’t lose their tightness but they still maintain a flow. It’s a looseness but not sloppy. Comfortable playing together but not afraid to take a risk or alienate people with short attention spans. There’s definitely stage presence and energy. It didn’t matter if people there seem to be engaged.
Purling Hiss clearly play for the love of music.
In all fairness at that time they were less people that knew what Drag City is. In fact too many might think it’s a high performance auto parts store. I didn’t know who Ty was at the time. No judgements, just being honest.
So if you have a chance to see Mike Polizze, Purling Hiss, and or Ben play, get on it. Every single time I see them gig, regardless of which band.. it’s super fun and memorable. I might add I’ve been fortunate to see them a bunch with different line ups and bands. Jumping at the chance when I can. Well worth it. Carry on. Enjoy the pics and other in my MSF Photo Archive as I add more. Grazie, Night Of The Living Fest and Purling Hiss. Ritorno presto Purling Hiss !
