Lollipop Magazine

Five Seconds Expired – with Otis, Jocobono, Stompbox at the Rat – Review

September 1, 1997

Five Seconds Expired took to the stage first. Unfortunately, I wasn’t there. But I’ve seen this Burlington, Vermont, band numerous times as Slush.

Trauma School Dropouts – with L.E.S. Stitches, Blount at the Rat – Review

July 1, 1997

Tom ripped on his camouflage guitar, the bassist jumped around like a cocker spaniel, but I kept thinking “When will the guitar player put his shirt back on?!?”

Lycia – at the Rat – Review

July 1, 1997

Vast waves of eerie sound. It was minor, moody, and slow, rather sensual. I began to daydream vividly, picturing a forest, two lovers, a cold spring morning.

L.E.S. Stitches – with Trauma School Dropouts, Blount at the Rat – Review

July 1, 1997

The set improved drastically midway through when Mick Brown (vocals) wailed out “Disgusted,” which exemplifies his repulsion with his life, music, and mind.

Blount – with Trauma School Dropouts, L.E.S. Stitches at the Rat – Review

July 1, 1997

Blount maintain a very upbeat Screeching Weasel-type sound. They seemed elated with Boston’s knowledge of their lyrics, which far surpassed their own!

Jocobono – with Five Seconds Expired, Otis, Stompbox at the Rat – Review

September 1, 1996

Jocobono took the stage while I was taking a pee. These things happen. Jocobono held the stage while I desperately tried to flag down a bartender.

Otis – with Five Seconds Expired, Jocobono, Stompbox at the Rat – Review

September 1, 1996

The sweat glistened off Otis’ tattoos, sprayed from their close-cropped hair, and smoke poured from either the stage or the first rows of the packed audience.

Stompbox – with Five Seconds Expired, Otis, Jocobono at the Rat – Review

September 1, 1996

You’d barely know the band members hate each other as they whipped the crowd into a frenzy. Some folks openly enjoying the show, quite a rarity ’round here.

Unwound – at the Rat – Review

August 1, 1996

A lighter Pitchshifter crossed with a less junky Front 242. They are pure, taking the typical industrial sound and banging it out of contortion.

Tidal Waves – with Bald Guys, The Fliptones, Ray Corvair Trio at the Rat – Review

June 1, 1996

The night was billed as a “Groovy Surfabilly Schmooze Night,” therefore I proceeded to do just that.