Live Review: Pinkshift Throw a Raucous Party at Brighton Music Hall

If you’re of a certain age, you might remember when blenders had seven or eight buttons that increased the speed of the blade with descriptions like chop, grate, whip, and liquefy. That’s basically how Pinkshift approach their music, tossing a handful of genres into the mix while allowing for the punk, thrash, emo, grunge or ’90s alt-rock setting to be flicked on at any moment. You don’t have to look very hard to see the easily identifiable chunks of those genres in any song they play.

The core trio of Ashrita Kumar on vocals, Paul Vallejo on guitar, and Myron Houngbedji on drums was augmented with a touring bassist and additional guitarist who also chipped in with backing vocals. Even with five members on stage, Kumar made sure that every inch was utilized.

Touring on their newly self-released Earthkeeper record, the band kept up a dizzying pace of crowd favorites, shuffling the order and adding a couple of other songs from their usual set this tour to show their appreciation for the Boston crowd.

Houngbedji was a powerhouse behind the kit with his snare drum easily making its way forward into the mix. There was no lack of energy from Vallejo as well, who finally ditched his Pinkshift hoodie as the temps started to rise.

The all-ages crowd was diverse in many ways and a younger fan got a thrill when Kumar made their way to the rail to reach out and clasp hands for a moment with shrill blast of Beatlemania-type screaming when contact was made. In that instant, Kumar was only touching one person, but judging from the reception and wide smiles of the crowd, everyone was touched by their performance.

The bill was a strong and diverse one, with another Baltimore band taking the stage first. Combat is a five piece that straddles the emo-punk line evenly, though I am not convinced they really need three guitar players.

Brash energy was doled out in healthy servings, and the theme of drummers with preternatural vigor in that position was first established here. Points awarded for the sick Coil t shirt too.

LustSickPuppy was sandwiched between, and in some regards was an outlier on the bill, but a varied sonic evening is better than just one of the same color. They took the stage under glaring red lights and a microphone, with pre-recorded tracks at the ready. Part electronica, part hip-hop, part obtuse electronics, the delivery was raw, feral, and unrelenting.

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