My adoration of Jeff Rosenstock’s music came, initially, with the release of his 2016 album Worry. To me, as a queer, autistic person, that album – and Rosenstock’s body of work in general – perfectly distils the feeling of holding together relationships and remaining hopeful in a world that belittles identities perceived as ‘not normal’. In that sense, tonight’s show is not only invigorating, but cathartic.
Shit Present open the night’s proceedings. The Exeter band’s acerbic yet joyous form of indie works excellently to set the mood as the crowd shuffle in from the drizzle outside, and while still in the process of making their name, their form of seething minimalism mixed with colourful melodies is received well. Having released their debut album What Still Gets Me last year, its rousing lead single Unravelling concludes Shit Present’s half-hour set and provokes the first singalong of the night.
After a brisk soundcheck, Rosenstock and his band arrive onstage to the sound of System Of A Down’s Chop Suey, opening their own set by launching into the song’s last chorus. This, alongside the ambient improvisation on You, In Weird Cities and the ska rendition of Leave It In The Sun, demonstrates the commitment of these musicians to making sure they never play the same show twice. Even the adlibbed banter between Rosenstock and the audience is engaging, ranging from quips about Welsh crowds’ habit for singing the guitar parts, to expressing solidarity with our “fuck the Tories” chants.
Navigating a myriad of emotions, the melancholy musings of 9/10 and Healmode provide a perfect contrast to the vivaciousness of Hey Allison! and No Dream. You can sense the personal connection tonight’s crowd feel to these songs: quieter moments are received with a solemn thoughtfulness, louder ones with an intense concoction of joy and rage.
“Speak, even if it’s hard to, even if it hurts to be yourself,” unfurls one line on Doubt, from Rosenstock’s 2023 album Hellmode. I’ve often felt the need to scream aloud the lyrics to these songs, that so eloquently describe the struggle of existing in environments averse to different ways of thinking and being; to finally get the chance to do so, without shame or embarrassment, felt freeing.
Jeff Rosenstock + Shit Present, Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Thurs 8 Feb
words ALEX SWIFT photos NADINE BALLANTYNE
