Seattle’s Beautiful Freaks represents punk at yet another generational shift. It’s not safety pins or green hair, and it’s not thick necks or masculine posturing. Instead, it’s defiantly genderqueer and untethered to any one style: glam rock flamboyancy, hardcore punk, regional sludgy grunge, metal’s intensity, and the melodic sensibility of jazz all find their way into the mix. But genre is a concept for the “mediocre millennial butt-rock rockers” that singer Meg Hall (they/she) chastises on live staple “Loser Sellouts.” Vibe is ultimately what matters now, and the vibe they bring to the table — especially at their chaotic, caustic live shows — is one of an impending apocalypse. At shows, scores of young punks validate their anxieties in the therapeutic physicality of an unceasing mosh pit, over which guitarists James Bonaci (they/she) and Cyra Wirth (she/her), drummer Peter Bryson (he/him) and Tony LeFaive (he/him) conduct the mayhem. It’s all part of a return to the raucous Seattle known to history, albeit one ready to answer for its previous transgressions. Today, Beautiful Freaks have fostered a hardcore following, in more ways than one. The music they make is in lockstep with a burgeoning wave of restless, vitriolic, predominantly queer punk acts in the greater Seattle area. The Freaks endeavor not to lead this charge so much as foster it from the frontlines.

Gary Reynolds & The Love Letters Gary Reynolds is a Pacific Northwest rock & roll singer/songwriter, guitarist, and producer based in Seattle, WA. His latest album, 'You Are What You See', is set for release on August 23, 2024, recorded on 16-track 2” tape at his own studio, Electrokitty. Gary’s musical journey began in 1983 with The Cretins in Port Arthur, Texas, playing rock & roll covers at rowdy bars. The band became notorious for wild shows and extensive Texas touring before Gary left for NYC in 1991. In New York, he immersed himself in hip-hop and studio technology, refining his craft. By 1999, Gary moved to Seattle and opened Electrokitty Studio, which has hosted clients like , , and . In 2006, he formed Gary Reynolds and the Brides of Obscurity, eventually collaborating with drummer Faith Stankevich, who contributes to his current work. Though he took a break from music in 2014 to open Revolver Bar in Capitol Hill, Gary returned to recording in 2023 after rediscovering an old project. He reunited with Stankevich and brought in Guy Keltner to form his latest band. 'You Are What You See' marks Gary’s return to the stage, blending influences from Neil Young, The Screaming Trees, and Big Star. After a decade-long hiatus, Gary is set to perform at venues like Belltown Yacht Club and Freakout Festival, with more tour dates to follow.

Veradas [Vərädäs]: Hungarian for bloodletting. A powerful Portland trio of heavy distortion and fuzz, hypnosis in rhythm. Giving blood to let us live.