Born Without Bones at The Casbah

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The Massachusetts DIY punk scene is not a genre. It's a ZIP code with a sound — basements where the ceiling is too low for the drummer to stand, living rooms where the PA is someone's home stereo, and a specific brand of melodic punk that sounds like it was written by someone who reads more than they let on.

Born Without Bones grew up in that scene and never really left it, even after four albums. Their sound pulls from '90s alternative and heartland singer-songwriter territory in ways that punk bands aren't supposed to admit — the hooks are earnest, the lyrics are literate, and the energy comes from caring too much rather than pretending not to care at all.

The Casbah is the right size for this. Not because the band can't draw bigger, but because the songs work best when you can see the sweat on the singer's forehead and the setlist taped to the floor.

Saturday, November 7. Doors at 8:30. Kettner Blvd. 21+.