John Reis Loses the Brutality

By Hannah Levin

published: April 23, 2008

John Reis has more than earned his lauded status among forward-thinking punks, via the benchmarks set by his early postpunk project Drive Like Jehu, the hard-rock swing that defined Rocket from the Crypt, and the jagged, brutal beauty of the Hot Snakes. His latest creation is the Night Marchers, where he is joined by past cohorts, including Hot Snakes alums Gar Wood and Jason Kourkounis. That sounds good on paper, and the Marchers' forthcoming debut, See You in Magic, is solid and tuneful, but the band lacks the ferocity of Reis' other projects — disappointing results from someone so talented. The Night Marchers perform on Monday, April 28, at Bottom of the Hill at 8:30 pm. Admission is $12-$14; call 626-4455 or visit www.bottomofthehill.com.