The Pack AD at PA's

Bostonist had the good fortune to see Canadian blues/rock duo the Pack AD live at PA's Lounge last Wednesday. We were so floored by the experience that a) we missed our bus home to catch the last song and b) it took us a while to write about the show, but we've recovered now and are ready to relate—if we can.

With only two girls, a guitar, and a drum set, the Pack AD makes more (and better) noise than most multi-piece indie rock groups. Singer Becky Black has a phenomenally gruff yet grand voice and drummer Maya Miller (how much do we love alliterative names?) keeps a wicked sharp beat. The duo's thick, bluesy riffs jar and soothe simultaneously, creating a sonic space suitable for revving up or winding down depending on your mood. The intense guitar work and insistent drumming are like a kick in the face, but the music follows an established hard rock path closely enough to remain familiar and cherished. The duo have a laid-back but charming stage presence, choosing to acknowledge the audience rather than remain jadedly indifferent as too many groups do.

Perhaps the easiest way to sum up the group is to ask, "What if Led Zeppelin were two Canadian chicks?" It's kind of a cheap stereotype, but it's a pretty accurate way to describe a pretty distinctive band. The Pack AD will be in Portland tonight and New Haven tomorrow. If you can make a bit of a trip to see one of the more unique touring acts we've experienced in a while, definitely do it.