Howlin’ Rain played ONCE Ballroom – 8/8

Ethan Miller’s psych-blues outfit Howlin’ Rain came through Somerville last week with heady support from locals Major Stars and New Jersey’s Garcia Peoples.

There’s not so many things in this life that one can can count on as a sure thing, but the musical output of San Francisco psych wizard Ethan Miller is one of them. From the heavy jams of Comets on Fire to Heron Oblivion’s spacey explorations, the raw firepower of Feral Ohms and Howlin’ Rain’s earthier textures, Miller boasts a pretty unimpeachable resume of out-there sounds, and it’s always wise to prioritize when any one of those projects hits the road. Hence, ONCE Ballroom was the place to be last Thursday night, as the Rain teamed up with some expertly-matched support for a barnstorming evening.

Garcia Peoples hit the stage first, with the night’s most pastorally breezy set. The name is a Dead giveaway, and the six-piece took little time to hit a blissful stride that served as a perfect gateway to the evening’s festivities.

Boston’s Major Stars, who require no introduction in this publication at this point (and have a new record out this Friday), followed up with another set of their scorching, wah-worshipping insanity; a bi-monthly reminder of why they’re one of Boston’s most consistently awe-inspiring live bands.

For their headlining set, Miller and the Howlin’ Rain crew effectively split the difference between the respective bliss and furor of the night’s supporting acts. The quartet locked in from minute one of their hourlong slot, an airtight machine in both measured buildups and climactic jams. The band hit the road this month in support of a forthcoming live LP, and Thursday was a potent justification for it being the latest in a series of such volumes. The stage is truly where they shine.

Check out photos from the whole evening below.