It’s Friday the start of Halloween weekend, and what better way to celebrate than to spend the night at Milwaukee’s own Washroom. The Washroom is a house venue started last fall by members of local band Scam Likely. The house venue has grown into an integral part of the DIY music scene here in Milwaukee. Everyone can count on hearing great jams from various bands playing at the venue be they local or out of state. The lineup on this fateful Friday night consisted of Scorched Waves out of Stevens Point, Scarlet Demore out of Chicago, and Milwaukee’s own Scam Likely. Having already seen both Scarlet Demore and Scam Likely live I knew this night was going to be a ride and after listening to Scorched Wave’s new single “BLOOM” I simply couldn’t wait. Donning my Willy Wonka costume, I joined the other freaks and ghouls dressed in perfect Halloween getups to mosh the night away.

From the start the Washroom has always been a sold-out venue, packing in more than a hundred people in the basement, the Washroom is always a hot and chaotic rollercoaster. Entering I felt the energy shift. Not only was the place decorated for Halloween, but the spark in the air as people anxiously waited for the music to begin was exciting. Soon after arriving, the first band Scorched Waves picked up their instruments and the party was on. Never seeing Scorched Waves before, I was excited for what their performance would be like, and I was blown away. Their chemistry as a band was amazing to watch. Playing their instruments with an intoxicating love for music was enthralling and the crowd felt it. People were dancing and moshing their hearts away to originals such as “BLOOM” or their cover of “Kilby Girl.” Scorched Waves hit the Milwaukee scene like a truck, and I hope they come back to town. Next up was Scarlet Demore and after a much-needed fresh air break, I got right up to the front.