The first time the Roland High Life played at the infamous Middle East Club in Cambridge, MA was also our very first show ever, back in December 2006. (We also played under a different name back then.) The last time was in April 2024 for the Rock N’ Roll Rumble. We’ve graced their stage a few other times over the years as well — but I think this past Saturday night may have been our best Middle East show yet.
It wasn’t just the satisfaction of returning there after the Rumble, and actually getting to finish off our set (though that was a nice vindication). It was also an awesome crowd, and a great mix of local bands. The fine folks at Sunshine Riot put the bill together, which also featured Neon Cowboy and The Magic City—two of which were also 2024 Rock N’ Roll Rumble finalists, and, in our humble opinion, some of the best bands on those bills as well. (Even if they, like us, all got bumped first round. Ah well.)
Sure, the audience was awesome, and the bands were badass. But also the mix was absolutely killer—both onstage, and off. I don’t think I’ve ever heard our band from onstage with such clear precision before. And I think that sonic clarity made a serious difference!
Check it out for yourself:
“Edge of Memory” live from soundcheck at the Middle East
Okay so this one was filmed from the side of an empty room during soundcheck (thanks, Brandon!). But still — it sounds pretty damn good, even without any bodies to bounce the sound off of!
“This Town Ain’t Big Enough For Both Of Our Sadness” live at the Middle East
For various reasons, “This Town Ain’t Big Enough For Both Of Our Sadness” hasn’t been on our last few setlists. We keep meaning to play it, but then end up bumping it last minute for the bigger banger hits. Not that it’s not a big loud rock song — it’s just, ya know, slightly slower and softer than our other songs. But we were determined to keep it in the mix this time, and we were very, very happy with the results.
“Teenage Dirtbag” by … Wheatus?! (But performed by the Roland High Life)
It’s the obligatory cover song — but god damn, people love this one! I know it’s not our song, but it’s still fun to look out into the crowd and see so many people rocking out every time.
“Every Girl Is An Apple” live at the Middle East
Not gonna lie: we were pretty bummed that we didn’t get to play “Every Girl Is An Apple” to close out our set at the Rock n’ Roll Rumble. So we went extra hard this time to make up for it, and I think it paid off.
Seriously, what a tremendous night. Thanks so much to Sunshine Riot for having us, and to everyone who helped me clean up the floor when I literally spilled my tea.
See ya next week at the Stomping Ground!
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