Whyyyyyyy did we think this was a good idea? It was kind of a whim when we did the last one (Waaaaay back in 2023… and you can search our archives for those on your own if interested) and maybe the same when we decided to this one with the difference being that we advertised this one in ahead of time meaning we can’t quietly back out if we have too much already happening in the week (Which we do…). Actually, we could back out but we’d remember even if no one else did. And that shame would live with us forever. Now, who’s ready for some Grub, Sweat & Beers glaze???
Howzabout that for an intro?!?!? Anyway! Year 10 is here and if you follow the legacy of Grub, Sweat & Beers from the usual suspects (Aaron Gray, Jim Healey, Doug Sherman) then you know it only keeps getting bigger and badderer (Not a word). And this year definitely does not disappoint with 21 bands over 2 days over at O’Brien’s. And we’re gong to try our darndest to give you some insight on why you should be there for ever second of it. Also, maybe use this and our forthcoming 2nd GS&B post (Yes, we’re breaking down both days) as a shopping guide for the next Bandcamp Friday on August 7th? Just sayin’. Two birds and all that jazz… Also, with Linktree or Bandcamp links in the headers because why should you just take our word on how awesome what’s coming up is (And also, the Bandcamp Friday plug…)
Let’s do this:
99 Shots– If you thought Grub, Sweat & Beers was all about the Heavy all of the time then you’ve never been to a GS&B before (For the record, neither have we but not for lack of trying! Also, we internet real well). That said, 99 Shots features Bryan Porter Hinkley (Tree! Never Got Caught!), George James Tsiaras (HONKEYBALL!) and Sam Gelston (Listen to latest record See Though Now here!) and is a Fuzzed out Rawk trio with experience.
Adam McGrath– If you’re a MA music fan and don’t know who Adam McGrath is… can you really even consider yourself a MA music fan??? McGrath’s most recent LP, Methuen’s Lot, is a BANGER. We purchased it, meant to review it, then didn’t. But that’s on us. McGrath has a wealth of material between Cave In, New idea Society, Clouds and more. Which version will you get at GS&B? And more importantly, what will he play?? Only one way to find out!
Alreckque– Did you know that a few of your GS&B hosts were in bands themselves?? Did you also know that a few of them are in bands together??? We already know that Jim Healey is in every band ever around the Boston/Allston/Brighton/Cambridge hot bed but for this weekend he’s joining co-host (Co-Grubber? Grubeteer?) Aaron Gray (Founder of Grayskull Booking, responsible for every great Heavy show you’re hitting in and around town) and Drummer Rob Davol and bringing some of that Soulful Grunge that Alreckque is known for to O’Brien’s. They recently wrapped some recording of some new music so maybe if you’re lucky, you’ll get some extra sonic treats this weekend.
Crowfeeder– Crowfeeder just screams “BOSTON METAL”. It’s a vibe, y’know? A mix of Roadsaw and Blood Lightning but with a more aggressive Vocal palette, Crowfeeder has been doing what they do for some time now and they do it REALLY WELL. Make sure you see for yourself on Saturday.
Goblet-Boston Thrash! Well, Pittsfield Thrash at least (Holy hell, that’s a drive…) Anyway, If you dig modern outfits like Municipal Waste or Old School acts like Exodus then you should for sure check out last year’s Scrap Metal… or, maybe, head to O’Brien’s on Saturday???
Lava Mama– LM’s got the jams! On their last release, 2025’s self-titled EP, they give us the hum/Far vibes for sure so definitely a band to check out (Again, check them ALL the GS&B artists out) if you’re looking for something different.
Louder Joy– Post-Hardcore out of Boston! Sign. Us. Up. Fresh off a new record (May’s Whatever You Can Take From Me You Can Have), Louder Joy is another outfit on the Saturday bill that’s an Alternative to the already alternative with an array of sonic gems (WYCTFMYCH opener “The Pummeling” is DIVINE!) that’ll slow down the headbanging slightly but maximize the head bobbing quota for sure.
The Outlourdes– We’re not averse to finding a new favorite when we do these things and we’re also not shy about sharing that with y’all. Bar none, probably the heaviest band on the Saturday bill, The Outlourdes slay. The latest release we got our paws on, Humanity Is Killing Us All, is pretty frickin’ brutal… and, luckily for you, there’ll be tons of chances to see some of that live as they’re in full on Festival mode! Following this, they’ll be appearing at next month’s Somergloom (On August 6th with Through A Glass, Darkly, Mantar & Swamphead at Deep Cuts) and then early the next month as part of the 10th RPM Fest (Appearing on September 4th out in Montague).
SEA– Oh! Another one we know fairly well (Read: We reviewed ’em)! Making their triumphant return to the O’B’s stage as part of this year’s fest, SEA is (As the kids day??) God-tier with a Post-Metal sound that’s on par with Pelican but sporting vocals. If you haven’t caught them lately, or perhaps haven’t caught them since the last time they played GS&B, then there’s no time like the present to say hello again.
Swampfoot– Outta New York?!?!? Whaaa??? Yes, GS&B occasionally welcomes an out-of-towner. Especially when they sound like this two-piece New School Hardcore outfit does with a recent release (As in June 25th recent) such as AIM LOW sounding as KILLER as it does. Heavy, Punky, Catchy. Go listen now.
(Un)Kind– So this is KIND, we think. But we’re not sure. We may have missed the memo but KIND is tagged all over the place so we’re going with some, ahem, kind of version of the band will be playing on Saturday. Which is fitting as KIND’s Guitarist extraordinaire, Darryl Shepard, will also be playing Sunday as Blackwolfgoat (More on that in the next post…)
VIQUEEN– What can we say about the delightful noise that the Portland, Maine (See! Bring on the non-MA bands!) trio brings that we haven’t already said here? VIQUEEN just fucking rip, okay? And if their performance over the weekend whets ye olde appetite for more live VIQUEEN liveness then know they have a slew of shows scheduled including a just announced run with Charlottesville’s own Üga Büga this October.
The Sweats, the Grubs and the Beers begin on Saturday July 25th at 3PM and you can get your tickets ahead of time to Day #1 by heading here. For more up-to-date info on the set times, eats and more you can hit the GS&B socials here and here.