[DID NOT ATTEND: March 27, April 5 & April 16, 2026] Tigers Jaw / Hot Flash Heat Wave / Creeks (solo)
About five years ago, I had seen Tigers Jaw two times in about a year. I enjoyed both shows quite a lot but haven’t felt compelled to see them again for whatever reason. Looking back I definitely enjoyed both shows, But I guess there are just bands that I like better.
Checking out their tour dates, I am fascinated by the fact that, if I had wanted to, I could have seen them three times spaced apart far enough that it wouldn’t have been like seeing them three nights in a row. They started in NY, then played Allentown. They went up the coast to Maine and CT and then New York City and a week after Allentown they popped into Garwood. Then they went down the east coast to Florida and back and played their second to last date in Philly. Three area shows in 20 days!
Hot Flash Heat Wave are a California based power pop band with a pleasant mix of post-punk and smooth emo. The review from Troy, NY says
the group had a new-wave rock vibe to them, reminding me of a lighter-hearted version of The Smiths. The energy got heavier later on, with one of the vocalists jumping into the tight crowd in a way that was akin to a hardcore performance.
They have a retro synthy vibe and are definitely fun. I see their older stuff is more guitar based. So who knows what this set was like
WXPN says Hot Flash Heat Wave’s music contains surf rock staples, new wave vocal patterns, and a touch of grunge on top of them being seriously unserious on stage. Arguably, they’ve created a new subgenre of hyper pop perfect for the Tigers Jaw millennials that like to dance.
Creeks is the solo project of Jon Simmons from Balance & Composure (who are broken up, I guess). Creeks is a band, but he was solo for these shows.
Turns out Grist Mil stepped up to fill the first slot, last minute in Allentown. I hadn’t heard of them, but this review from Hashtag says
Grist Mil has created the perfect chill record to soundtrack the start of summer. Waves of haze and distortion move across guitars, crossing paths with bright synthesizers and emotionally packed lyrics. Fresh off shows supporting Balance and Composure and Oso Oso, fans of both bands will find appeal in the music of Grist Mil, also striking similarities to indie-electronic acts like M83, and blips of shoegaze and more pop-forward elements. The EP is written in concept, following through the main character’s tumultuous journey.
I listened to a couple songs–catchy but lo fi. Nice.
The Crossroads show was an album release show for Tigers Jaw.
If I had thought about it more I might have tried to get to one of these shows, but at the very least Union Trasnfer sold out, so they didn’t miss me.
I Just Read About That... 