Catalyst...
Catalyst PVD Live at the Shanghai Tunnel Bar
Up until a Tuesday night at the Shanghai Tunnel Bar in downtown Portland, I had never seen a band bring as much aggressive and exciting emotions to their fans. The stage was lit dark red and yellow as instruments began to vibrate the room during soundcheck. Fans slowly started to emerge from the corners of the bar to stake out a spot as close to the front as possible. So close, that they shared the same air as Catalyst; a four-piece screamo band from Providence, Rhode Island.
Camping in Alaska, the nostalgic midwest emo group, was joined by Catalyst on their 10th-anniversary tour of the album “Please Be Nice.” You may recognize the iconic album cover of a blonde kid in a blue shirt throwing his skateboard at a wall that reads “Please Be Nice.” Fans were certainly grateful that they made a stop in Portland. Besides recognizing the album cover, I didn’t know Camping In Alaska very well. I listened to the album before attending the show and very much appreciated the steadfast emo sound they were creating. But I was there to see Catalyst.
After a good friend of mine raved about Catalyst the last time they were in Portland, I felt I needed to go see what all the hype was about. Let me tell you, I wasn’t disappointed. I’ve listened to their self-titled EP that came out in 2021 and their most recent EP titled “…” which came out this time last year.
Their music is heavy yet approachable. I frequently recommend them to listeners as they’re first embarking into the screamo scene. Catalyst came from a wave of screamo around 2020 when many of us were trapped inside trying to come up with something to do. I know my answer was to discover new music. A huge part of that discovery was done on TikTok. I know, funny to admit, but it’s true. There are so many content creators dedicated to sharing music with others through one-minute videos. Catalyst was right there, in the center of screamo when screamo was important, and they’re still riding that wave.
The bar venue was surprisingly big and everyone was decently spread out but when Catalyst got up on stage, we were suddenly smushed up in front of an imaginary glass. As close as we could get to them. The unforgettable riff of the opening track on “...” rang out amidst the hoots and hollers. I scurried off to the side to get a better view of the band as well as the fans. The glass was seamlessly broken once the energy of the music was released onto the crowd. They pushed and pulled and when they weren’t screaming along, they were smiling so wide.
Some fans were singing into a mic (which was not turned on, or if it was it was inaudible) that the bass player was letting them use. One particular fan was holding the mic as the crowd pushed towards the front, to keep it steady. Connor Kelliher, the frontman of the group had his back to the crowd the eternity of the show. The bass player, Andrew Trow, and guitarist, David Lemmel began the set facing the audience but as the crowd got more comfortable and loud they turned around to protect themselves. Having your back to the crowd in screamo is a staple move during a live show.
I got the chance to talk to a member of the band when buying merch. His name is Nathan Wright, and he is definitely “behind the scenes”— in the sense that I watched him set up the band’s gear on stage and then wistfully stand behind them watching the crowd. When the crowd began to push closer the the front, he jumped towards them and pushed them back into one another. Guarding the members as well as the cords/equipment on stage. When I briefly chatted with him I mostly asked him about the abrupt band switch-up that happened at what seemed like the end of the Catalyst set. The drummer, Aidan Lavoie became the bass player, Connor was on drums, and Nathan came out of the crowd to snag the guitar. All of a sudden they were playing power-violence, a faster and more heavy hardcore style. Nathan explained that this was a side project called Fate. One that he and Connor had started to integrate into the Catalyst sets and soon they hope to release their music. Nathan is not just a roadie or a bodyguard but he also produced all of Catalyst’s music as well as other screamo projects like Vs Self.
As a stranger to the scene, Catalyst has introduced me to the tried and true anger and anxiety that hardcore is known for. It was invigorating to see them live. Listening to their recordings doesn’t give them the justice they deserve, their loudness overwhelms my ears and their energy has me standing on my tippy toes. If you haven’t already, be sure to give them a listen and find them on their next tour. Just like me, you will not be disappointed.
Bandcamp: bandcampcatalyst...
Instagram: @catalystgmail.com2
Spotify: spotifycatalyst… spotifycatalystpvd
Apple Music: applemusiccatalystpvd