By Juliet Oswald

Pictured: Members of Alex Vile

Photo by Angel Kelly (@angel.wa_ on Instagram)

 If you’re in search of a packed house show, a jazz night, or a documentary screening, it’s likely that Cush is going to be your spot. Located right off Sixth Street, Cush Hill is not only a hot spot for all things music and mutual aid, but also a place to call home for some of our very own KUPS staff members. One of my favorite things about Cush Hill is its dedication to combining quality musicians with a good cause. Just last year I went to a show at Cush which was in support of a “Save the Trees” relief (a great show for a really great cause). And so, a few weeks back on September 1st, Cush Hill kicked off the school year with a show featuring Alex Vile, Palomino, Choly, Blind Heresy, and Ground Sound. 

Charging a $5 minimum at the door, all proceeds benefited those affected by the recent wildfires across Maui. By 8:30 p.m., the house was virtually packed with some even pouring out onto the deck for the occasional breath of fresh air. In the house, a thick wave of heat washed over the crowd as hoards of people moshed and head-banged along to the sets. An inarguable high of the night was Alex Vile’s set which featured Scott Pilgrim classic (and 2010’s indie rock staple), Black Sheep. The excitement in the room was outstanding, with nearly everyone in the crowd screaming out each lyric alongside the ensemble. This was not only a highlight because of the song (who doesn’t love a Brie Larson throwback) but also because of the level of interaction between the band and the audience. It truly felt like one of those moments where the band was both radiating and building upon the energy of the audience. If you missed the show, Alex Vile is a four-piece Tacoma band that recently teamed with acclaimed producer Jim Kaufman, who has previously worked with alternative rock band, Helmet. While the group’s sound is reminiscent of a classic 90’s grunge band, it’s equally met with a unique edge that sets them apart from what is typically seen in modern grunge. With this, the group has successfully cultivated a dually nostalgic and fresh vibe to which the crowd seemed highly receptive. Palomino, another quartet, brought a nostalgic sound with a shoegaze edge that I really loved. The band currently has two singles out, both of which are just really solid ambient shoegaze tracks. However, I will say that their live presence is a game-changer. Plus, it’s always cool to pick up a read on a band outside of virtual streaming. Like the good old days!

This brings me to the final two bands that played, Blind Heresy and Choly. Both Blind Heresy and Choly truly nail a punk house show. Each set was promptly followed by an influx of bubbling people (drenched in sweat) making their way to the deck to get reacquainted with reality. Crowds were surfed and eyebrow piercings were put in the direct line of fire. Although neither Blind Heresy nor Choly have streaming options linked, they’re each active in the Seattle area DIY scene so keep an eye out! Overall, the show not only showcased some of our best local up-and-coming grunge sounds but also the connections that can be crafted between the culture of house shows and mutual aid. In a world of chaos, issues can be swept under the carpet. So why not combine that chaos with a different kind of chaos? By integrating mutual aid with house show culture, there is not only an opportunity to raise money for the causes that count but also the opportunity to educate an entire community. I don’t know about you, but the people who I’ve met at house shows have tended to be really wonderful! And so, it makes perfect sense that the house show scene and the mutual aid scene would overlap with their people. After all, it’s cool to care. 

If you would like to donate or help out with the ongoing crisis in Maui, you can donate to the Maui Mutual Aid fund or Help Maui Rise, a group comprised of volunteers who will dole out funds to displaced residents/families of Maui. First and foremost, stay informed!