They mixed up some cocktail tunes with a psychedelic guitar groove, poured velvety vocals over upright bass, adding a dash of David Byrne experimentation.
Bim Skala Bim offered a compelling set from their 11-year, six-album history and unveiled five new songs which blended easily into a catalog of set classics.
From the rock-steady beats to the more prominent ska-core, Mephiskepheles commandeered the crowd. Meph earned an encore, which is tough as an opening band.
Vocalist Dan Vitale could be considered the godfather of Boston’s ska scene. Together since 1985, Bim have just released their sixth album, Eyes and Ears.