Rwake, Hull & Primitive Weapons played Merc (pics)

photos by Greg Cristman, additional Rwake photos & words by BBG

Rwake / Hull (by Greg Cristman)
Rwake
Hull

"Hey man, I'm Gravy," he said as he shook my hand.

The man was guitarist Kris Graves of Rwake. I wondered whether that nickname came from his abilities as a guitarist and where he is from (the comfort-food lovin' South - specifically Little Rock, Arkansas), or if it was simply a play on his last name. I'd like to think the former, judging by the soulful and unique sludge-doom of Rwake at Mercury Lounge last night (10/10).

Rwake were in town to help celebrate the release of Hull's Beyond The Lightless Sky, out today via The End Records. Though performing as a five-piece due to the absence of keyboardist/vocalist Brittany Fugate (aka "B"), Rwake performed favorites like "Crooked Rivers" next to material from the new record Rest, out now via Relapse. The show, which ended past midnight, was the only current East Coast date for Rwake until a scheduled appearance at MDF.

Hull's focus was Beyond The Lightless Sky, performing the LP in its entirety with assists credited to Sarah of Bezoar, Joe Merolla (Death First), and Fade Kainer (Batillus). Their hour-long set featured tribal drums, synth/noise textures, and (quite clearly) a wall of loud rumbling 4x12s.

Primitive Weapons were the first band of the night after a DJ set from yours truly, bringing their sludge-influenced post-hardcore to a 2/3 packed room that filled significantly by the end of their last overdriven note. Pictures of them, Hull, and Rwake await below...

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Primitive Weapons by Greg Cristman

Primitive Weapons