Years ago, there was a house in University Place that was home to a very particular rabble of psych-rock enthusiasts and various layabouts. In my late teens, it was the place where I would go to chain-smoke, drink dangerous amounts of Carlo Rossi red wine, and listen to countless eye-opening records.
Technically, Permethrin is a defunct band, having split up earlier this year when one of the trio moved to Minneapolis. After their dissolution, they released their final song as a band, called "Between," which neatly sums up so much of what made them a compelling band. The singers are frantic to the point of hysterics, shouting lines about how "everything looks good from far away," which may not be an allusion to one of the bandmates leaving, but it works for me. The music is muscular, owing a lot to seminal hardcore and punk bands, but with an inherent melodicism that rounds the edges and lends a catchiness to everything that works as an effective counterpoint to the apoplectic vocals.
Permethrin, for their part, describe their music as "softcore," which is a nice way of winking at the fact that they may not be in the business of melting faces and shattering ear drums, like many of their peers might. This is emotional music that rarely stops to take a breath, but its driving energy leans further into a pop territory than other post-hardcore bands. Oddly enough, I'm reminded a bit of the pop-punk firebrand Ida Maria when I listen to Permethrin. This is the kind of music she might make after classics like "Oh My God" and "I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked" - after she really loses it.
I said that this is a defunct band, but the truth is, there's one more final show. This Saturday, Permethrin will reunite for one last blowout, featuring a murderer's row of local talent like Soggy Creep and Wulf. This is the kind of show that will demand more from you than you might be normally prepared to give. In the cozy confines of the backroom at Le Voyeur, you're going to need to be able to give it back as seriously as these bands will be giving it to you. Expect bear hugs and sweaty, sweaty dancing.
Permethrin, w/ Soggy Creep, Seminars, Sin Bad, Wulf, Saturday, Sept. 26, 9 p.m., $5-$7, Le Voyeur, 404 E. 4th Ave. Olympia, 360.943.5710