(It’s even in a great location, but you’d have to ask them about that.)

I’d been looking forward to this show for a while, because the lineup was so good. Wonderland booked ADDIE, Latchkey Kids, GOLLYLAGGING, and Winkler for the night. Though GOLLYLAGGING couldn’t make it, the night was electric.

We started with ADDIE, who I included in the local spotlight in BLTN #1. The band’s members seem evenly matched musically, and the sound was very cohesive. Though the project is based around singer-songwriter and bassist Adeline Vamenta, you can tell they love playing together. The music is heavy on the low end, which I liked. The contrast between the rumbling bass and a feminine vocal is what sets them apart from other female-fronted (for lack of a better term) acts in Boston.

I was really surprised to hear that their drummer on 4/28 had only played with them once before. I didn’t notice anything wonky – they sounded really tight. Though the songs did meld together sometimes, that’s not a bad thing. Crater Lake (from their 2022 album) really stood out. All in all, a great set and a great opener.

The Latchkey Kids started their set by saying they were from New Jersey and that they ran out of merch, which told me that they were going to be good. And maybe kind of weird, but definitely good. I was right.

Almost immediately it became clear that their drummer is the backbone of the group. His musical choices were creative and he gave the sound a groove that was almost hypnotic in how intense it was. He made their set really special – definitely my MVP of the night. The band itself was down a member, but sounded full despite missing a second guitar. Both vocalists have great voices that are both punchy and authentic (and in tune). I can see this group going far.

The Latchkey Kids sound a little different than what I’ve been hearing live lately, like they’re following what feels true for them. Listen to their newest album, the week you ran away. It’s a fun blend between indie rock/melodic punk/folk punk (not in an annoying way), with an almost singer-songwriter element re: lyrical content.

GOLLYLAGGING weren’t able to play, and I hope to see them another time. Great band name. In the meantime, here’s a link to their album, fauna.

Winkler, though they did run into a few technical difficulties, was a lot of fun. Their music is dancey and full of tasty moments that make for a great live set. It reminded me of really good indie rock/singer-songwriter stuff, but…also jazz fusion? And funk? It might just be that the music is put together well, and I was hearing that thoroughness. It feels very professional – almost like someone has it in sheet music form somewhere.

Despite how put-together they sound, my favorite thing about Winkler is that the set felt like friends hanging out while making sounds…and their jam session accidentally got an entire room to dance. They were the perfect closer, and they left the crowd feeling energized and as happy as live music can make you. Listen to their newest album For You, Now. It’s good.

Wonderland booked an amazing show. Despite the crowd, it was run professionally and I felt like I was welcome, safe, and just…part of something. If you ask me, that’s a pretty big deal, because I went alone.

Wonderland’s instagram: @wonderland.allston

Author:

PNT, BLTN contributor