Septacy’s Farewell Show
One of my local Bay Area bands Septacy is calling it quits. Their latest album Bookends was just released last year, but things have seemed kinda quiet for the band since then, and I couldn’t say I was too surprised to hear the news after their keyboardist Ricky Marasigan moved to Portland. So they had one last show at Bottom of the Hill to say goodbye.
Also on the bill was First in Flight, and Chin Up, Kid headlined.
I saw Kaitlyn, Septacy frontman Nick Redmond’s girlfriend, outside the venue, and we decided there was enough time before doors to go grab a beer down the street first. We somehow managed to run into Nick’s dad there, which made for some interesting conversation. He told us about Nick’s first band “Baby Feast,” which we later learned never existed. Of course.
The boys brought out a good crowd. They played some really old songs, and some old band members in were in attendance. One got onstage with them briefly. He just gave the guys hugs, didn’t play.
Since Ricky is now out of state, Carolyn Smith was filling in on keyboard.
It’s a bittersweet goodbye, as these things tend to be. But it was a good show to end on.
Then First in Flight hit the stage. They killed it. I’ve heard about them playing shows in the area pretty frequently before, but this was my first time seeing them play, and I was very impressed. They’re heavy and dancey, which is a combination I tend to like.
I couldn’t get over guitarist Richard Mier’s smile while he played. But then frontman Pat McCloskey did a BACKFLIP and it was insane and amazing and OH MY GOD. I have been won over. I will be checking them out again for sure.
Last but not least was Chin Up, Kid out of Indiana. Their self-titled album just dropped last month and it’s pretty fun. Honestly I think seeing them live made me like them even more.
They’re pop punk, but more toward the heavier side. I would likely be down to check them out again as well.
The Septaboys were being total dorks in the “pit” during their set, which should not have been a surprise at all.
Then at the end of the night we went to Denny’s to celebrate the end of an era, where I continued my tradition of post-show bacon and sausage. Some things will never change.
