The Balmville Grange is a small converted church tucked in the mountains that range across the Hudson Valley. Standing outside the brown-red wooden walls, you’re surrounded by emerald green trees and a stretching view of the hills. Its close, but not in the way many city venues are close–you aren’t held down by steel and cement, doused by the smells of the city. Instead, the wind carries pollen and pine needles.
On April 26th that was where Alliteration, elders of the Hudson Valley scene, celebrated their ten-year anniversary. Their set included music from their first releases, working through their discography and ending with completely new, unreleased material. Their openers were all bands they’ve headlined with before, not necessarily in the same form as they began in.
Jake Albi was a solo act utilizing members of Lores to create a full, rich sound. His music floated on acoustic guitars and slow drumbeats as he sang with a rich, melodic voice.
Lores are a metalcore band from Rockaway, New Jersey specializing in a brand of melodic hardcore sound unique to their performance. This was accomplished by utilizing a bongo and tambourine at the height of the mixing to maintain a heavier, driving rhythm.
No Momentum are Poughkeepsie locals, specializing in a mix of fifth-wave emo and pop punk. Kelly leads vocals with a screaming and genuine intensity complemented by Curt and Marty’s emo-tinged bass and drums.
The headliner act was Alliteration, featuring a set that stretched from their very first release and ending with new material. From their initial music, taken off of streaming and dissappeared, to new releases unseen anywhere else.
During their set they ran the pit with aplomb, throwing out pillows and encouraging literal pillowfights to their favorite move of eliciting a circle pit. Their music ranged from soft, beautiful sincerity with Xavier on vocals to metal screamcore featuring Ryan Kealty’s fantastic range of delivery. As a seasoned viewer of Alliteration, their performance was fantastic and a privilege to see. See more photos of the event and the bands below!
