Fight Amputation, KEN mode, Psychic Teens and Bubonic Bear @ Kung Fu Necktie.

Text and images by Chad Sims.

Last Friday night Kung Fu Necktie was crammed with music and people. The place was rocking with a few incredible local acts and one band consisting of neighbors from the north.

Bubonic Bear (above) kicked things off with their particular brand of brutal noise. If you live in Philly and are into heavy music, you have probably caught these guys before. If you haven’t seen B.B., then it is too late because their last show was the following night at PhilMOCA. RIP Bubonic Bear.

Next was a band whose first record I have thoroughly enjoyed for the last few years and had yet to catch, Psychic Teens. I have only ever heard great things about their live show. Unfortunately, I will have to catch their next show because this one was seriously marred by poor sound.

Winnipeg’s KEN mode (above and below) took the stage around 11 o’clock and absolutely killed it. The band is touring in support of their latest album Success. KEN mode’s music bares a striking resemblance to fellow Canadians Nomeansno but with their own take on noisy hardcore.

These guys are not for everyone. At the same time, even if you aren’t typically into hardcore there might be something here for you. The music is angular and usually has something of a groove but lead singer Jesse Matthewson’s harsh vocal repetitions never let you forget the heavy grounding.

Hopefully, the next time KEN mode comes through town they will be headlining a bigger venue.

The always great Fight Amputation concluded the show. This was the record release party for their newest album, Constantly Off. Keep an eye out for these guys. They are not to be missed.