LIVE REVIEW: Thoughts on Bowling and TRSH @ High Noon Saloon

Words and photos by soleil rumpit

Love it or hate it, midwest emo is alive and screaming at a bar near you, even on random Tuesday nights. Last week in Madison, it was Thoughts on Bowling opening with Sports. and Kerosene Heights for the locally beloved TRSH at High Noon Saloon.

Arkansas-based Thoughts on Bowling warmed up the room with a kind of earnest energy only musicians born after the Nintendo DS could muster. Though don’t dismiss them for their zoomer antics – one “67” joke can be forgiven for the vivid indie-emo rock flair that’s showcased by their clear vocal and instrumental talent. The band has developed a passionate cult following online and fans certainly showed up for them in Madison, singing along to hits “Cavity” and “dude, benson is gonna be so pissed!”

Self-described as “putting the mid in midwest emo,” their music has obvious influence from the likes of Mom Jeans. (including a reference to “*Sobs Quietly*”), but TOB certainly have potential to make their mark on the scene as their sound develops. With the buzz of their current tour with TRSH and an ever-growing fanbase, anticipation for a full-length album is growing fast.

The band topping the bill Tuesday night has already made waves underground with their live show antics and distinct fusion of punk, emo, and math rock. Springfield, Missouri’s quartet TRSH are just off the release of their third album, String Theory. With songs like “Dusty” and “Hyperpop Killed My Dog,” they’ve stepped into a more intentional, self-assured version of their sound without losing the scrappy sincerity that made fans fall in love with them in the first place.

Their set in Madison also featured older favorites such as “Midwest City” and “Fire Department,” and the contrast between their clean instrumentals and gritty vocals is even more intoxicating live. Naturally, the pit got a bit more rowdy than the music called for – I mean, how else are midwest emo fans supposed to cure their touch starvation?

Onstage, TRSH aren’t afraid to have fun. Their energy ricochets from irreverent to heartfelt in a way that shouldn’t make sense but absolutely does; the same whiplash that gives their lyrics their bite. The playful charisma and sheer talent of the band members created a performance that was loose without ever being sloppy and confident without tipping into self-seriousness.

If you need a hit of honest lyricism balanced with self-deprecating quips and timelessly twinkly guitar riffs, keep an ear on these bands – and better yet, go see them live.