One of the most eagerly anticipated sets on the second day of this year’s Riot Fest was from The Hives. The matching and sharp-dressed Swedish punks exceeded all expectations with a ferocious performance from the first note played. With various band members sporadically taking their places on the giant speakers in front of the stage and with the lead singer “Howling” Pelle Almqvist moving to sing at the barricades and above the fans, the photo pit got a bit chaotic. It was so chaotic (please note, though not out of control) that we shooters were instructed to exit just seconds into the third song. One fellow photographer joked after that if you could not get a good photo within the first minute of that set, you shouldn’t be shooting Riot Fest. Indeed, The Hives set was the epitome of the performances upon which we concert photographers thrive.

Included in the raucous set were the songs “Bogus Operandi, “”Rigor Mortis Radio,” “Walk Idiot Walk,” and “Hate To Say I Told You So.” “Countdown to the Shutdown” was the last song played by The Hives but it wasn’t the last song heard. While lots of bands have walk-on music, The Hives also has a walk-off songs. In this case, Carly Simon’s “Nobody Does It Better,” which, f.y.i., is the theme song to the 1977 James Bond film, “The Spy Who Loved Me.” Band members bowed and waved as the iconic American singer-songwriter’s voice wafted gently from the speakers. More than a few witnessing The Hives’ Riot Fest performance might argue that nobody did it better, at least not on this day.

Sincere Engineer is most often described as a stage moniker for singer/rhythm guitar player Deanna Belos in her sole work. But it has also been described as a band, including by Belos herself on occasion. Whatever its most accurate characterization, if there indeed is one, Sincere Engineer has been a Dying Scene favorite pretty much since its debut album, Rhombithian.

Of course, one of the big reasons is Belos’ smartly charming and self-deprecating songwriting. She is unafraid to wear her often aching and/or longing heart on the short sleeves of her black Carhartt t-shirts nor is she wary of letting you know this is the case. The first song the band played “Anemia” perfectly illustrates this

I’m a walking open wound
Don’t make any sudden moves
I’m a walking open wound
It’s a pleasure to meet you

Aware of this, it is unsurprising the group’s walk-on music is the classic instrumental version of the Johnny Mandel theme from M*A*S*H*, also known by its official song name “Suicide Is Painless.”

However, the joy she and her bandmates, Kyle Geib on lead guitar, Nick Arvanitis on bass, and drummer/back-up vocals Adam Beck display whilst expressing sometimes heavy emotions is infectious.

Also included in the roaring set “Dragged Across The Finish Line,” “Corn Dog Sonnet No. 7,” “Old Coat Pocket,” and “Overbite,” among others.

Sincere Engineer is currently on the road in the western part of the United States, supporting New Found Glory’s Catalyst 20 Years Later Tour. To say this is a dream come true for Belos’ might be a bit of an understatement. Speaking to her from said road, Belos’ described to me what it has been like.

“It’s such a blast being out on tour with New Found Glory! They’re so nice, and the shows have been incredible! They were my first favorite band, so it’s been awesome to get to know them and see them every night!“

D.O.A. is still alive and killing it. The only member of the band from start to present, singer Joey “Joey Shithead” Keithley, told the audience that the band has been around for 47 years and added, “I’m in the middle of my third life sentence but don’t worry I can do the fucking stretch. I’m ok, I can do it.”

The band made a strong case for never retiring with its powerful set. Two of the highlights were blistering performances of “Smash The State,” and “The Enemy.”

D.O.A. was recently on the bill for NOFX’s final show. They have a couple of Pacific Northwest shows scheduled in November 2024, providing direct support for Duff McKagen. Check them out if you can!