All photos by Sammy Braxton-Haney
The 2024 Mosswood Meltdown in Mosswood Park, Oakland, CA, was held on July 6th and 7th and, by all accounts, it was a hot affair. With temperatures up to 77 degrees by midday, sunscreen and cold beverages were everywhere you looked. While there was disappointment that the amphitheater was out of commission for the music festival (affecting how much shade was available), patrons quickly got used to the one-stage show this year. On a positive note, this gave all the bands the chance to be seen by more people, such as festival opener, Bay Area-based, Hot Laundry.
Dressed in purple sequins and black fringe dresses, the three female singers gyrated and strutted and sang over a pounding garage, soul beat. Hot Laundry was tight and energetic, especially on “Shake” and “Supper’s on the Stove”, and they were a great start to the weekend.
Trap Girl was all business as they took the stage next, with lead singer Drew Arriola-Sands leading the aural assault. Taking a stance of ending violence against women and dismantling the patriarchy, Trap Girl hit hard with bruising punk rock and growling vocals, with “Baddest Bitch” and “Dead Men Don’t Rape” set highlights.
Former Twompsax leader, Cher Strauberry, has taken a hard left turn at the exit marked pop. Her new band, Wifey, won over new fans and for those used to seeing her front Twompsax, it was interesting to watch her navigate a more melody-driven sound with her new 3-piece. It’s great to see performers trying new directions in their musical evolution.
Go Sailor kept the pop jangle going, performing their first show in over 10 years. They had plenty of fans in the audience who were happy to take a trip through the band’s back catalog, including the pensive but catchy, “I’m Still Crying”.
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of their debut album, Pansy Division was a treat. Spooling out one great power pop song after another, highlights were many and included “He’s Trouble”, “Groovy Underwear”, and “That’s So Gay”. Did they invent a genre of subversive, humorous, gay rock? After listening to their hit “James Bondage”, I think the answer is yes.
Bay area legendary drag queen Peaches Christ held a Mosswood drag competition and it was a great break from the music. Puppets were disemboweled, flesh was eaten, a penis came out of a box…..all the usual items for a drag competition in the Bay Area. At the end of it all, drag king Papi Churro walked away as the winner.
Local heroes Hunx and His Punx assaulted the stage as the sun began setting, bringing some relief to the crowd. Hunx’s wacked-out antics were gobbled up by the audience, who enjoyed such classics as “Lover’s Lane”. It’s easy to get caught up in the trashy fun, but this band is tight, anchored by the amazing Shannon Shaw on bass.
How great it was to see Redd Kross back at Meltwood in matching paint splattered outfits, their melodic, hard edged pop intact. “Annie’s Gone” had the crowd singing along, and they played a number of tunes from their new album as well, including the closer, “Born Innocent”. Bonus treat – Dale Crover, from The Melvins, was on drums and in top form. The show was evidence that brothers Steve and Jeff McDonald, still sound great together.
Anticipation was high for The B-52s and the legendary band delivered. Opening with “Planet Claire”, and backed by solid instrumentalists, it was one hit after another. “52 Girls” still packed a punch (with Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson duetting skillfully), the declaratory “Bring Back My Man” saw Cindy in a soulful mood, and “Roam” was wistful and blew by like a summer breeze. It was also such a delight to hear Fred Schneider, one of the most distinctive male vocalists. With almost 5 decades of music behind them, there was a lot of dancing during the night and it was tough to say goodbye when it all ended with “Rock Lobster”.
