This time last year, we named The Menzingers‘ On the Impossible Past one of the Best Records of 2012. Nearly two years after its release, the album still stands as one of the most well-written, perfectly poppy yet vehemently aggressive, thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end punk records in recent memory. It’s been years since the Pennsylvania quartet last played Nashville, the last time was well before Past, so we’re understandably elated (and have been telling you for months) about this evening’s show at The End with Off with Their Heads and Free Throw. Grab your tickets here, and find out more about the lineup after the jump!
THE MENZINGERS
No one, The Menzingers least of all, expected the massive critical acclaim that would follow the release of their third album (and first for Epitaph Records) On the Impossible Past. Sure, they haven’t exactly exploded onto the mainstream radar just yet, but few other punk acts have managed to so expertly walk the lines of punk and pop punk, raw and polished, emotional and angry, and personal yet wielding a mass appeal. One of the most organic, well-respected bands in the new underground punk movement, The Menzingers channel an air of importance on a broader cultural context, and are a group worth experiencing, punk fan or not. With a new album coming very soon, we can’t wait to see what else 2014 brings.
OFF WITH THEIR HEADS
Menzingers’ labelmates Off with Their Heads hail from Minneapolis, and channel a similarly visceral, energetic punk sound. Leaning slightly more on the heavy and aggressive side, the group certainly aren’t without their pop sensibilities. Off with Their Heads’ third album, Home, arrived last year via Epitaph.
FREE THROW
Opening things up and giving you a reason to get there early, local emo/pop punk act Free Throw have quietly become one of the most promising up and coming bands in Nashville. Channeling elements of ’90s midwestern emo and modern pop punk, balancing angst with nonstop lyrical gut punches, Free Throw are a band you should be keeping an eye on.
The Menzingers, Off With Their Heads, and Free Throw will perform TONIGHT at The End. The show is 18+, begins at 8 p.m., and tickets are available for $13.