In 2015 Gretchen Shae joined U2 on stage to play guitar on the song “All I Want Is You”, but that wasn’t her first time taking the stage. Shae is the vocalist and guitarist of the self-proclaimed Boston-based glam punk band The Knock Ups. Joined by Cat Verlicco on bass and Daniel McCarthy on Drums, the band brings blends energetic instrumentation with politically charged lyrics reminiscent of the riot grrrl movement of the 90’s, and borrow from the movements key players such as Bikini Kill and Sleater Kinney. “Shut Up (and put on your dress)” off their self-titled EP is characterized by it’s brevity, and the band’s fast paced riffs and pounding drumming that never drowns out Shae’s vocals. The track “1969” is a slower track that features compelling melodies and a catchy chorus that begs the listener to sing a long, however it doesn’t lose any of the band’s signature punk energy. The band will be playing tonight (6.03) at Club Bohemia in Cambridge. Check out their single “Dionysius” below! – John Honan
