The legendary Built to Spill concluded a set of back-to-back shows in Cambridge. The Boise-based band has withstood the test of time, releasing their ninth studio album in September 2022, When the Wind Forgets Your Name. The record is the first to be released on label Sub Pop, debuting their newest original material in seven years.
Fronted and glued together by singer/guitarist Doug Martsch, the band has staked their claim within the world of DIY alternative rock. Heavily inspired by Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth and Pixies, Martsch started the project in 1992 with the idea of rotating the cast of members and collaborators with each album. Each subsequent release seemed to capitalize on the previous as Built to Spill garnered a cult following over the decades.
The group took the stage quite casually and began setting up their own equipment, truly exemplifying the concept of “Do-It-Yourself.” Despite there only being 3 people on stage, the band used the space to their advantage, setting the drumset up on the frontlines of the stage. Without any warning, Martsch stepped up to the spotlight, nodded to his rhythm section, and ripped right into “Stop the Show,” from their 1997 record Perfect From Now On. The setlist consisted of an incredible mix from their entire catalog, including covers of The Cars and the late Daniel Johnston.
The final show in Brooklyn and following double headers in Cambridge kicked off the final leg of the band’s 38-city tour, joined by Itchy Kitty and Prism Bitch, as they travel back to the northwest. No strangers to being on the road, Built to Spill will have just nine days off before they begin their extensive EU tour. Fans have grown accustomed to plenty of opportunities to catch Martsch and the gang, but it is clear that no matter how many times they come back, there will always be a place for them.
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