At the Mothership – Castle Black, Kid Tested, Spud, and Passion Tax

From NYC, Castle Black is on their Taste of Bass Tour this summer, and stopped in Buffalo on July 23rd to put on a show with Kid Tested from Cleveland, Ohio, and local artists Spud and Passion Tax. 

It was nice to return to the Mothership and to be in a laid-back and low-pressure environment for the musicians and the audience. Everyone who makes it out to the shows is there to create, enjoy, and support live music, and it’s great to have a space in the community where people can do just that. 

Passion Tax opened the show, starting it off with a bang. They might only be two guitars, but their sound and skill is not to be underestimated. The sounds they make are compelling and also intricate, and the melodies they create are interesting and provide a good foundation to the vocal lines. They fully embody their music, moving along to the rhythms and cadences of the songs. They played right on through their set list, and never missed a beat. Their portion was done too soon.

Kid Tested took the stage and got the crowd going again. Their set was refreshing; they balanced all the styles and flavors of prog rock. The band’s original music has a great range as well, from powerful and emotional ballads to fast-paced rock that is sure to get you moving. The harmonies they create as their voices come together carry well over their well-played instrumental. They play like it’s the last time they will ever play again. The drive and love they have for their music is palpable as they dance and jump around while managing to play every note. 

Castle Black, the NYC post-punk and alt-rock duo, finished the show. They are touring with the addition of their friend on bass, who fits into the group perfectly. They played right through their set list without stopping, which was an impressive feat given how much energy they put into every single song. Castle Black had the crowd engaged from the second they struck their first chord, and had them moving and dancing along with them. The energy in the air was already up from the first two acts, and it kept rising as the drums and bass reverberated through the space. The riffs and solos each member played were impressive and interesting, which showcased each of their talents well. Even when the group came together, you could hear each aspect, every rhythm and melody individually and in the big picture, causing a wave of sound that allowed you to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Despite the wash of sounds, the lead vocal cut through crystal clear, strong and alluring. 

Their performance was one of the more unique ones that I have seen. They played and sang with each other in a way that felt less rehearsed and more like second nature. The lead singer even had tap shoes on, and during one of their songs they had breakdowns where she did her own solo with her tap shoes, adding a new rhythmic component to the music that was unexpected and captivating. 

As their set came to a close, they welcomed Spud, a punk rock artist, to close out the night. They had a bassist and drummer to round out the group, and they played together so well. Spud’s voice was powerful and mesmerizing, their high vocals carrying well in the space. The drummer and bassist supported them perfectly, allowing their voice to take center stage. Their performance was a perfect amount of angst and emotion, as they moved back and forth between softer and intimate moments to louder and bolder, completely in touch and proud of who they are. 

If any of these bands are playing shows in a venue near you, and you’re looking for some punk and prog-rock, go check them out. Each of their talents are undeniable, and the passion they bring to the stage is something you will want to see for yourself.