To call someone a “legend” is often an act of high hyperbole better left to the eye of the beholder. But listening to The Bomb, the project formed 10 years ago by singer Jeff Pezzatti following the end of his pioneering Chicago band Naked Raygun, you get the strong sense that Pezzatti is an unheralded legend whose influence is heard far and wide in the Punk and Post Punk bands of today. While The Bomb is far from an exact replica of Raygun (which has reunited a few times during the past several years), many of the band’s traits are carried over, especially Pezzatti’s barbed melodicism and razor lyrics. Though older and wiser, The Bomb still possesses a searing guitar attack and attacking rhythm section. Naked Raygun’s legacy is only enhanced by The Bomb’s consistency, powerfulness and ear-grabbing melodies. If you’re a fan of Post Punk, The Bomb’s appearance at the Southgate House Saturday — with an amazing support bill that includes local faves like Knife the Symphony, Arms Exploding, 1,000 Arms (first show in two years) and The Read, as well as regional heroes Kyle Sowash and the Karl Hendricks Trio — is a must-see, must-hear event. $7-$10.
This article appears in Jul 8-14, 2009.