After being to around 40 concerts in my lifetime, I was looking for something different and Destroy Boys completely blew away my expectations. With endless banter, important political dialogue and a strong emphasis on community, they carved a dominant presence in the snug yet comfortable setting at the Paradise Rock Club.
Picking their openers with intent, chokecherry and Sasami created an infectious energy. Both inviting the crowd to open the pit, a wave of dancing was sparked that lasted the entire show. Pulling from their start in San Francisco, chokecherry seamlessly blended grunge and shoegaze, whereas Sasami pulled from various genres varying from lofi to electrifying pop.
As Sasami took the rockstar exit, the audience silenced once again. A local Boston food insecurity advocacy group took the stage, inviting everyone to make a difference and volunteer. Community was a common theme throughout the show.
“Stop by our table to get a free banana,” they incentivized.
The quartet walked onto stage and were greeted with a roar of applause by the hoard of fishnet tight clad fans. Starting with “Shadow (I’m Breaking Down),” the familiar classic warmed up the crowd. As the heat rose and breaths became short, they launched into the beloved tune “Vixen.” Roditis and backing vocalist Violet Mayugba harmonized while the sea of fans jostled around to the beat.
Just like “Vixen,” the encore fostered an enthusiastic response. Lead singer Alexia Roditis took a moment to comment on the election and emphasized the importance of hope.
“I can make the world a better place,” they affirmed.
“I can make the world a better place,” the crowd repeated after taking a deep breath per Roditis’ instructions.
Instead of performing traditional tracks, they played a short cover of Weezer’s “Undone-The Sweater Song” and “When I Come Around” by Green Day.
“This is the silliest we’ve been in years,” Mayugba laughed before diving straight into the hit song “I Threw Glass at My Friend’s Eyes and Now I’m on Probation.” As bobbing heads shuffled out of the venue, a resounding feeling of empowerment was felt by all.
