We’re spoiled. We have at least 30 traditional music venues in the core of the Bay without getting into moderately concealed DIY spots, bars that just legally have a stage that fits a four piece, and the festival scene. That said, I am confident you still aren’t going to enough live music. To further convince you, here’s one that should be welded onto your calendar this week.
Pet Symmetry is back and BIGGER. LP number four has arrived this past month from the Chicago pop-punkers who also get to enjoy loyalists revisiting Pets Hounds now that it has reached the ten year anniversary mark. Big Symmetry is another hyperactive speed run of an album. If you haven’t listened yet, I recommend finding a destination exactly thirty five minutes away and hitting play once you tap the gas, start pedaling, or convince the bus driver to crank it (how do we petition buses to have stereos?). If you have ever had a strong attachment to a past vehicle then “Big Mileage” is for you. Unconditional love of a furry friend? You have “Big Barker”. Hey, there’s even room for the most human relationships including “Big Doink” and “Big Engagement”.
The trio hits 924 Gilman in Berkeley on Saturday, June 7th with Phony and Diners [Event Info]. Here’s what the gentlemen revealed as they approach the West Coast, soon to point their wheels north for the next week to the Bay and beyond…
10 years since Pets Hounds and an equally concerning time since coming through the Bay. What do you have on your To-Do list? Would you add anything to the list if there was an extra day at your disposal?
We’re so stoked to be back in the bay! We’re pumped to play 924 Gilman – a space we’ve all admired for so long. I’m gonna kiss the stage! We’re really hoping to have time to hit Muir woods on our off day. [Editors note: please put your month on as few things as possible in this establishment]
What helps keep you all sane during those periods of non-stop traveling between shows?
Gotta have coffee, good tunes, and the ability to laugh through the 12-hr drives. W**d helps too.
Is there anything on heavy rotation over the stereo or headphones on this leg of the tour?
So much! Been loving the latest Geese and Cameron Winter albums, we did a deep dive on Justin Pearson’s discography, and we’re been hitting shuffle on my modded iPod classic.
How do you like to balance your set between all the Big Symmetry tunes the people need and dealing with that one fan who’s yelling “50%”!!! until they collapse?
We def try to play a varied set every night! I’d be obsessed with someone yelling for ‘50%’, thats a deep cut! I think we’ve played that live like twice…. fuck should we learn that one again?
If you have to sign off on an official band-sanctioned listening environment for the new record what would you recommend?
BIG comfy couch. BIG cup of coffee. BIG speakers.
For those first timers, how does one mentally and physically prepare for a Pet Symmetry show?
Turn that frown upside-down and get ready to giggle. Also bring earplugs, and get ready to meet a new friend in the crowd!
Words: Mike Chouinard (DangerVenture)
Photo Credit: Sam Porter
