LTD Punk Fest | 7:00pm | Moshmellow, 3359 S Jefferson Ave. | All ages | $10 advance, $12 day of show
The coin of the realm in St. Louis’ underground music scene is camaraderie, integrity, and determination. Few bands exemplify this better than Nowhere But Down (NBD), a post-grunge band that has weathered the most difficult (and permanent) lineup change of all: the death of a friend and co-founder. Founded in 2019 by bassist Jaysin Wood and guitarist Mycle “Myk” Steyen, NBD proudly described their sonic DNA as a heavy, sludgy love child of Nirvana, Tool, Melvins, and Helmet. In a local heavy music scene that has largely transitioned away from these iconic acts of the ’90s underground in favor of more marketable trends, like deathcore or straight edge punk, NBD was a breath of fresh air, closing sets with chaotic, minutes-long guitar feedback loops that paid perfect tribute to the golden era of Lollapalooza-era alternative rock. I was privileged to see NBD at a Pop’s Local Showcase back in 2023 and the uniqueness of their sound and aesthetic, especially when contrasted against the tech death and metalcore bands that rounded out the bill, left a lasting impression on me.
NBD recently endured the most devastating loss that a band can reckon with: the death of co-founder Myk Steyen. A lesser band would have surely called it quits after such a tragedy. For a DIY band like Nowhere But Down, however, the loss of one of its lead creative engines represented a profound challenge for the band and an opportunity to honor the legacy of Steyen.
“When Myk died, it really hit hard,” Jaysin Wood shared recently. “He would’ve wanted us to carry on. The music always came first for him and I. If it would’ve been me, I would’ve expected him to keep it alive.”
In the wake of Steyen’s death, NBD has done what any true creative and artist would do: they went back into the studio, more determined than ever, and started booking gigs across the city. Last week they played the staple South Grand punk dive CBGB, along with (Idle) Planet and Loose Tigers. This Friday will see the latest stress test for this new incarnation of NBD: LTD Punk Fest at Moshmellow. Featuring a pantheon of local heavy hitters—Hot Rails, No Point, Hank., Anti Fashion, and A Brighter Side—the festival promises a night of loud guitars and blaring brass that will loudly declare the true beginning of summer in St. Louis.
“It was a good turnout at CBGB. We love that venue,” said Wood. “We have a very high energy sound that gets crowds off their asses and on their feet.” Although NBD is not—to the best of my knowledge, anyways—a Ska band, the flyer for the fest promises that “Ska [is] encouraged” and proudly features a guitar, saxophone, and trombone. It is safe to assume this is exactly the event you were looking for to dust off your pork pie hat and break out the checkerboard suspenders and Doc Martens. In recent years, Moshmellow has become one of the most important St. Louis venues for showcasing local talent, and this Friday’s event promises to be a legendary spectacle for both longtime fans of projects like NBD and the uninitiated looking to explore more of our city’s thriving local music scene. Keep skanking, St. Louis! | David Von Nordheim
