Puffer was the last show of an eventful FME Day 2. This working man’s hardcore punk group from Montreal doesn’t play its hometown much, so their 1:30 am basement show was somewhat of a marvel. As they jumped into a track from the Street Hassle LP, the mosh began and never really ceased until the set was over. This band never slows down. I never saw them break speed or rest for a sip of water; just a pure onslaught of heavy punk. Heavy riffs, crashing drums, and a frontman leading the charge, pure maximum rock n roll. We’re all sweaty, bruised and a little tired, but Puffer is giving it their all and we do the same.
It’s always nice to see other bands watching hometown heroes, but in the front row of Puffer’s set was Lieselot Elzinga of Amsterdam’s Baby Berserk (who held a wild midnight secret show in the parking lot of Morasse Poutine). Many claim they know the best way to end a raucous night at FME, but no doubt about it, Puffer is hardcore healing for the soul.
