Ex-Temper creates pivoting, unpredictable, guitar-driven rock layered with catchy melodies and three-part vocal harmonies. Once described as “Fugazi meets the Andrews Sisters” and credited with playing “heavy, head-banging riffs,” their lyrics explore everything from heartbreak and obsession, to prominent social issues like police brutality, mass shootings, the inefficiency of white guilt, and mansplaining; as well as mysteries like the Green Children of Woolpit, and existential questions such as if an organ donor’s consciousness or memories can be transplanted into the recipient’s mind.

Psychedelic, thumping, melodic, and driving, Goldsetter’s music doesn’t take us where each song should go, but where it can. Song after song melds divergence and syncopates throughlines within their extensive musical influences to create a sound both familiar and unexpected. Epic without excess this is heartfelt, fierce, fun music as likely to part the clouds as it is to crash the cupboard.Francesco Muri (vox, keys); Sam Hankins (drums); Georgia Rae Teensma (vox, guitar); Aaron Noble (vox, guitar); Mike Parham (bass). Northampton/Hadley, MA.

Once Boston’s best-kept secret, Speedfossil, the creation of singer/songwriter Garret Vandermolen, is on the verge of breaking out of New England with their third LP, and Red on Red Records debut release, NO ANESTHESIA. The band has been hailed by fans and critics alike as a return of great pop songwriting in the vein of The Replacements, The Kinks, The Beatles, The Smithereens, even the Ventures. Metronome Magazine stated that Speedfossil is “an impeccable rock band that, without question, can hang with the best.” The line-up of the band to date, with Garret (vocals/guitar/keyboards) Michael Scotti (bass, vocals) Dan Jordan (guitar/vocals,) and Hector Saint-Hilaire (drums), have all been working together since late 2018.

Judd’s Restaurant at Gateway City Arts is open for dinner the night of the show, make a reservation here!