- They thought about calling the band Thumbs & Hoodies
Why is it that the most technically adept artists seem interested in playing only abrasive metal or avant-garde music? These virtuosos’ albums are often displays of freeform flamboyance rather than showcases of spot-on songwriting. But Massachusetts punks A Wilhelm Scream are capable of writing tight little tunes and giving their fret boards a serious workout. The band combines accelerated, finger-blurring riffing, dynamic shifts clipped with deadly accuracy, and singer Nuno Pereira’s melodic shouts and clever lyrical snipes. The quintet packs its songs with multiple sounds and concepts, and has roots in skate-punk, melodic hardcore, and even tech-metal. But they synthesize all these sounds into a signature cadence. The band’s four albums and a recently released EP reveal a group that can spotlight chops without falling back on cryptic reference points. The finger-tapping guitar runs, breakneck rhythms, and complex instrumental bridges are balanced by harmonizing vocals and recognizable choruses. A Wilhelm Scream challenge themselves without challenging listeners’ patience. A Wilhelm Scream, with Bass Line Bums, Heads Held High, and Ultra Rare, play Now That’s Class at 9 p.m. Tickets: $8. —Matt Whelihan
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