Best Bands Of Burlington (Part 2)

by ari-mei dan

There is a running bit in the Burlington music scene in which bands love to pick the weirdest and funniest names possible. It’s endearing. Even before I started getting into the music photography world in Burlington, I was an avid basement show-goer and I remember calling my mom and telling her about my weekends and having to tell her with a serious face which bands I went to see. Both of my parents are immigrants and English is not their first language, so you can probably imagine their confusion trying to understand the silly bands I told them about, but also trying to understand the puns and jokes that came easily to my peers and I. 

My freshman year at the University of Vermont (UVM), I was part of a fresh new band and in full honesty, the thing I was excited for most was the part where we would finally choose our name and be fully inducted into the Burlington music scene. Unfortunately, our band didn’t get very far, but I think the excitement leading up to choosing our name should tell you enough about the atmosphere there. There’s No Showers on Vacation, Hand in Pants, Jerry Hat Trick, and Cows on the Moon – just to name a few. People in Burlington want to make music and have fun doing it. 

I think one of the big reasons that the DIY scene there attracts so many people is because it’s fun, and it’s silly and is so full of enthusiasm. Beyond the jazz scene in Burlington, the DIY scene really does flourish. Most of the DIY shows I’ve gone to in Burlington were to see bands that have mastered the art of classic rock or punk or psychedelic rock. As someone who grew up listening to and loving classic rock, there is a special place in my heart for that type of music. Perhaps it’s fitting then that I dedicate this article to Burlington’s rock and indie scene.

You tell me. Let’s get into it.

COMATOSE KIDS

Photo by Ari Mei-Dan

Comatose Kids is a band that definitely will not make you go comatose. An alternative rock band that started at UVM in 2021, they quickly gained traction as a band filled with energy and talent. I can say with utter confidence that they are likely many people’s favorites – they’re one of mine – and it is not a reach to say that every student at UVM knows their name. It makes sense why they’re so popular. They have everything needed from an artist to make them likable, and they take it one step beyond.

As you can likely tell so far, it’s hard to talk about Comatose Kids without making it seem like you’re a complete fangirl. Spend a minute at any of their shows and you’ll quickly understand why. I think that putting on the perfect show is a multifaceted performance that requires enthusiasm, talent, knowledge, and originality. Comatose Kids do exactly that. They come to each show excited but grounded and always bring something new to the table. They once did an alt-rock cover of I Shot the Sheriff. It is nonetheless surprising that they’re not at a highly professional level, or that they only have one single out. They just exude so much coolness.

Consisting of Sawyer Bouley (guitar and vocals), Kai Pasciak (bass), and Yann Calderwood (piano and vocals), Comatose Kids recently said goodbye to their long-time drummer Tobey Siegel. Even as they take on the search for a new drummer, the band is definitely one to keep an eye out for.

MOONDOGS

Photo by Ben M. Collins

I have a special place in my heart for Moondogs. Although I only got to catch them a handful of times during my time in Vermont, they rock the psych-rock genre with power and thrills (pun intended). With three albums, several singles and a few tours under their belt, Moondogs is a Burlington band to not miss.

Moondogs is composed of Will Sturcke on vocals and guitar, Jimmy Martucci on drums, and David Battit on bass. Even as just a trio, the band is an intense unit and it is hard to keep still regardless of whether you are at a show of theirs or listening to their music. They draw influence from hip-hop, electronic music, and rock to form who they are now – a stellar band that will surely send you into cosmic enjoyment (pun intended again). Sturcke provides the band with groovy and bright psychedelic melodies on guitar with Battit countering each phrase with thickness on the low ends. All while this is happening, Martucci is steadfast and commanding on the drums. Each of them have their own, striking, persuasive voice yet they come together so beautifully to make your head bob and feet jump. Their music is self-produced and self-released, and they are definitely one of those bands that sounds just as good live as they do recorded – if not even better. 

If I have not convinced you to listen to their music yet or attend their shows when you can, I deeply hope you will reconsider. Moondogs is an otherworldly project that I hope everyone will get hip to. 

ARMANODILLO

Photo by Christopher Williamson

Armanodillo is a hard band to describe because there is simply no other band like them in Burlington. Quite frankly, I wouldn’t even know which other musicians to compare them to – period. They are one of a kind.

The band consists of Charlie Uffelman (guitar, bass, and vocals), Erik Lyngstad-Hughes (guitar, bass, and vocals), Logan Pickrell (guitar, mandolin, and vocals), and Gabe Bango (drums and vocals). Together since early 2022, Armanodillo takes indie-folk-rock to maximal levels. 

Their music is nothing short of beautiful: it is simple but emotional, personal but grand, charming and spirited. They have two singles under their belt and opened for Snail Mail and Peach Pit at UVM’s 2024 SpringFest. The band comes equipped to make you feel every emotion on the spectrum, and I do believe that you come out of their music feeling absolutely everything. 

I’m a bit pretentious when it comes to my folk-rock music because I grew up on Simon & Garfunkel and Sting. It is obvious, though, that Armanodillo takes these iconic influences and transforms them into something modern and special. With their employment of electrifying harmonies, distinct instrumentation, and unusual drive, Armanodillo is a band that is worth keeping up with.

FAWN

Photo by Ari Mei-Dan

Although Fawn is newer to the Burlington scene, it is easy to say that it took no time for them to become a favourite of mine. The reason they are so noteworthy is because they do something that virtually no other Burlington band does: take on the genre of pop. While many other bands in town stay wary of the genre, Fawn embraces it and make it uniquely their own. 

Consisting of Pearl Stuart (vocals and piano), Maddy Winklosky (guitar), Brady Jalili (bass), and Matthew Linkkila (drums), Fawn is self-described as an “indie-alt band bringing a fresh queer femme pop energy to Burlington.” With Pearl’s soft but stirring vocals leading the music and subtle yet eloquent backgrounds from the rest of the band, Fawn comes together as an operation that makes you sway in rhythm. Regardless of what they play, ranging from originals to Top 50 tunes, the band employs a twist on the music you love to make it pleasurable for everybody.

Fawn has a single out titled “Burn” and more music in the making. If you haven’t listened to them yet, it is my belief that it is an experience to not be missed.

RABBITFOOT

Photo by Ari Mei-Dan

I don’t really know where to begin with Rabbitfoot because I find myself stuck in the difficult position of being a long-time fan but still not knowing exactly how to describe their music. The go-to descriptor would be “shoegaze” but I think they really do transcend the genre. Rabbitfoot is more than shoegaze: they are also emo, post-hardcore, and slightly punk. 

Truthfully, I am not the person that is typically attracted to punk or emo-oriented bands. I fully respect the genre and its history but there is just something about it that was hard for me to enjoy being attracted to. However, Rabbitfoot drew me because of the energy they had. There was something about their music that I loved as well, but initially couldn’t place my finger on. Now that I give it thought, I can confidently say that it’s all about their sweet and enthralling guitar riffs, the congruent and coherent playing of the drums, and the melodies that make you jump and sway. 

Rabbitfoot is also a particularly notable band because they have won the hearts of those who frequent the house show scene in Burlington. In a town where student-hosted house shows are more popular than fraternity parties and bands are popping up left to right, it is incredibly difficult to become a favourite of students simply wanting to go out. Composed of Will Rockett (guitar and vocals), Caleb Litster (guitar), Zach Abood-Bieber (bass and vocals), and Hunter Postemski (drums) – I am sure that Rabbitfoot is not going anywhere.