Sometimes it’s all about the riffs. For Seattle trio Brothers of the Sonic Cloth, who recently lent their support to Yob for their return show, the hypnotic repetition takes center stage immediately with “La Mano Poderosa,” the first of two tracks on their limited 2009 demo. At a healthy 12 minutes, the song finds the band led by guitarist/vocalist Tad Doyle (Tad, Hog Molly) along a path of six string enlightenment. Bassist Peg Tully (Inciting Riots) and drummer Aaron D.C. Edge (Tsuga, Iamthethorn, the unfortunately short-lived Swearingen, Himsa, etc.) each play an equal role in propelling the song forward.

Doyle changes up his vocal approach, mostly relying on a kind of melodic shout that is effective in accenting the layers of guitar. In a way, it’s almost like the band is trying to be heard over themselves. Very punk rock — slowed way the hell down, of course.

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Come to think of it, there were as many bands who were supposed to play Europa in Brooklyn last night who didn’t as there were who did. It’s a three-to-three tie! Outlaw Order, If He Dies He Dies and Pristina were nowhere to be found, but When the Deadbolt Breaks, Negative Reaction and Sourvein picked up the slack, and though we standing in the club held our breath awaiting the arrival of the latter, there was a collective exhale when frontman T-Roy Medlin walked in during Negative Reaction‘s set. They’d apparently gotten lost on the way and it had been back and forth as to whether or not they’d make it the whole night.

Driving from the valley to Brooklyn is a daunting task, and not just because of the traffic. With Manhattan between me and that most “Howya doin’?” of boroughs, it’s like climbing a mountain just to get there. When I showed up and saw the room largely empty save for a sampling of the NYC stoner rock faithful, I was glad I’d made the trip. In a town of eight million people and so few heads around, one is not only just as conspicuous by one’s absence as one’s presence, but also it’s just good to show up and support your friends’ bands.

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