Desert Sharks, Loose Wing, and Commons 2 at Pet Shop (11-09-2023)

Thursday nights at Pet Shop are the marquee events in Jersey City each week. They’re particularly fun when there’s a double header going down. Last Thursday was one such night, with stellar gigs happening downstairs in the wine bar and upstairs on the main floor. I was manning the soundboard upstairs, but I heard Creamers, Dense Benson, and DJ Bramphetamine held it down in the underground. Upstairs, a triple bill featuring Brooklyn’s Desert Sharks, Seattle’s Loose Wing, and Jersey City’s own Commons 2 kept the crowd on their feet all night long.

Commons 2 opened the evening with an extended set of original tunes, including several from their brand new EP, Art Studio. Frontman John Gallagher rocked pretty freakin’ hard. So hard, in fact, that he cut his hand and in true rock and roll style, got blood all over his pickguard. Not to worry though, my soundman responsibilities also include running to the bar to grab napkins so that Gallagher could tend to his wounds. He didn’t miss a beat despite the injury.

Loose Wing flew in from the Pacific Northwest and brought some of their Seattle sound along with them. The band’s set featured several songs from their brand new record, Miracle Baby, and their sound definitely had touches of their home region. Think Built To Spill with a dash of Mudhoney sludge and plenty of ear-wormy, Modest Mouse-esque melodies. 

Desert Sharks capped off the evening with a raucous set of new and old tunes. Their set featured some never-before-heard songs (they’re about to enter the studio), classics like “Dating?” from their 2019 album Baby’s Gold Death Stadium, and their unique interpretation of Til Tuesday’s “Voices Carry.” The energy from the crowd was palpable, so bassist Stephanie Gunther and guitarist Cait Smith worked their way into the audience during the band’s second to last song. I returned to Pet Shop the following evening and folks were RAVING about their performance, so I have a feeling they’ll be back soon.

Photographer Anna Gordon documented the entire evening. Check out the rest of her photos below!