MY LEGS JUST GOT CUT OFF! – Severed Legs, Innervision, Snuffed, Minuet Show Retrospective (3/17 @ Dirty Dungarees)

Salt had to cancel, unfortunately :(

This show was such a treasure to attend, and I’m so glad I was able to make it. Me and Robert were driving in from Indiana as of that morning, I hadn’t slept at all the previous night, so the fact that I was able to show and pull up with Groupie issue 4 was evidence for a higher power in itself. The turnout was pretty nice, a sizable crowd of around 50-75 by my measure. There was a positive environment in the air, and it was a pleasure to meet back up with some friends after break.

Severed Legs is a band that took its time getting off the ground, amidst changing members and shows. Seeing them finally perform after close to a year of teasing was beyond exciting. A short and sweet set of three originals and a cover debuts Severed Legs to the Columbus audience, more than I was expecting for a brand new band! Their crowd presence is assured and practiced, vocalist Maya issuing calls to action between songs and creating a classic punk atmosphere.

The first thing that stood out to me was the incredible drum work. It's even and steady, while still keeping things fresh and stirring. Getting folks moshing from the first few seconds is a wonderful feat, and the band executes it masterfully. My second note was the movement of the group – bassist Brennan bouncing in place as he played as though practically teeming with energy. He’s similarly bouncy in his other band, Tailspin, so it’s likely a hard habit to quit between projects – not that he should!

Their sound is straight forward and no-nonsense, a blossoming hardcore outfit with bits of youth crew and straight edge stylings bubbling to the surface. Vocalist Maya was impressively consistent for their first performance, and I commend their bravery. This is the first project they’ve sang for, and their nervousness was evident but did not hold them back. My only wish for them is a little more power – something hard with a higher voice but very possible with enough practice. It’s about moving from a scream to a yell – being able to project your voice, and I really believe they have the pipes for it if they keep at it. They had the intonation for that style of hardcore down, and I loved the rasp and growly vocal work.

Finally, Courtney, Lucas, and Brennan together as a guitar and bassist trio are honestly a dream come true. They’re rhythmic and perfectly on pace, an excellent accompaniment to an already great opening act. It was clear to me how well they bounced off each other, and the combined sound fluctuated evenly between the three and allowed for all to show off. I would also attribute this success to Brennan’s song writing, his talent for composition is evident across both Severed Legs and Tailspin.

I’m proud of Severed Legs for making it on the stage, and I can’t wait to follow them in the future. The evolution of a young hardcore band is always wonderful to see, and the more college bands the better! They don’t have any music released, and it will likely be a while before they do, but you should still keep an eye out for their shows and follow them on Instagram @severedlegshc.

I’d never heard Innervision before tonight, but their particular brand of rolling, rhythmic hardcore is immediately appealing. The first break down with a cowbell had me immediately hooked, let alone the sick guitar riffs. I love their sound – like the Blue Man Group on punk crack. Their vocalist is steady and the perfect blend between croaky and loud, and their bassist and guitarist are so stuffed with personality in their licks and riffs. It’s the kind of hardcore you literally can’t keep still to, it’s just too fun and inviting for mosh pit antics. Love these guys, can’t wait to hear them again. Listen to their 2023 EP “Always In Sight” on Spotify, and follow them on Instagram @innervision217. Thanks Innervision for coming to Columbus, and I hope to hear them live again soon!

Somehow, even though I mentioned Snuffed vocalist Karly in Groupie issue 4 and debuted it at their show, I was still so shocked and flattered by the positive reception from the band. I can’t stress enough how nice Karly and the rest of Snuffed are, and I was just so jazzed to be able to see them for the second time in Columbus. At risk of repeating my prior review of their work in Issue 2, Snuffed is definitely one of my favorite bands at the moment. They boast professionally produced and verbose work, glorious tie-dye vinyls, and fast paced fierce hardcore to melt your brain to. Stream Lobotomy Dream immediately, and follow them on Instagram @snuffedchicago while you do it.

Minuet wrapped up the night, poppy punk post-hardcore with an undeniable bite that feels like a descent into colorful emotional madness. Their single rightwitchya is super well produced and maintains melody without sacrificing a lot of the classic hardcore influence – similar to Dance Gavin Dance minus the crooning emo vocals. Much like their other published single, Minuet really feels like the Next Wave of modern hardcore, with complex instrumental work and mixing. I also have to applaud their poetic lyrical work – something I always appreciate in hardcore. Lines like “Bodies riddled, anxious wrecks/Things break that used to bend” really cut to the heart of what emo hardcore should be, evocative emotion over stock tragedy or violence. Follow them on Instagram @ifitmovesyou if you feel so moved, and catch them live on April 4th at Marlboro.

Thanks for the amazing reception on Groupie issue 4! I really really appreciate how quickly I’ve been brought in to the Columbus scene, and I’ll be here writing for you all till my fingers fall off. Lots of love, and be sure to grab a copy of the latest issue on my Bigcartel! XOXO, Elliott.