REVIEW: Junkfest @ Dorchester Brewing Co. 10/3
Photo Credit: Stella Pham
Review by Iris Broisat
Five bands took the stage Oct. 3, 2026, at Dorchester Brewing Co. for the second night of Junkfest, an annual music festival organized by Junkyard.
The brewery was transformed for the event. Colorful decorations, from circus props to butterflies hanging from the ceiling, filled the stage, illuminated with bright orange lighting. Everywhere you looked, there were new details to discover.
Opening at 6 p.m., Cut the Kids in Half performed tracks from their 2025 indie rock album “What We Became,” drawing everyone in the venue closer to the stage. The crowd danced and sang, starting the night on a lively, energetic note.
Next, Boston-based underground rock band Sophie’s Body showcased tracks from their EPs “Things I Want” and “Mandatory Girl,” along with several singles.
Key Found took the stage at 8 p.m. While the band was setting up, a presenter walked out holding a baby doll and joked, “I’m nervous about how rock ‘n’ roll is affecting my baby,” earning laughs from the audience.
The Boston-based band opened with its 2026 single “Radium Girl.” Filled with haunting vocal harmonies, surf-rock guitar riffs and a heavy drum beat, the track carried a distinct ‘60s rock feel, almost like listening to a scratchy vinyl record. The band’s aesthetic reinforced that sound: bell bottoms, brown belts, leather shoes and a vest and tie worn by singer and guitarist Jack Dobbins gave the group a vintage Beatles-esque look.
Performing originals from their 2024 album “Salamander Hotel” and unreleased tracks, the indie-rock band delivered silky guitar solos, distorted riffs and halftime breakdowns that sparked mosh pits throughout the crowd.
During “Waiting To Sail,” guitarist Patrick Baggett removed his sweater to reveal a white T-shirt reading “Fuck Cornell,” prompting loud cheers from the audience.
Songs including “Gutter,” “Even Steven,” and a cover of Alex Olsen’s “Someday I’ll Get It,” showcased the band’s instrumental skills through delayed guitar solos, intriguing harmonies and a one-legged bass solo by Charles Boyes. The chemistry between the band members was apparent, as they frequently faced each other to sing, laugh and dance.
Boyes snapped a picture of the crowd “for my mom” before breaking out into “Fictional Childhood,” during which the crowd was invited to sing along in a call-and-response; flashing lights and dancing fans ended Key Found’s set with pure energy.
When the presenter returned to the stage, she had an anguished look on her face. Holding up the doll, she said, “I’m a bit worried my baby might slowly be getting possessed by rock ‘n’ roll,” before announcing the next band.
Performing songs from their 2025 album “TED OR ALIVE!” and 2025 EP “TED,” Ruby Leftstep adopted an alternative rock sound, similar to that of Green Day.
It didn’t take long for the New Hartford, Connecticut band to rile up the crowd: after drummer Eddie Dahill screamed, “Let me see you dance!” and encouraged everybody to take a step towards the stage, mosh pits formed and fans crowd-surfed. The band’s energy matched the crowd’s, with members jumping up and down and singing so loud their voices broke.
Many songs such as “Plastic Stranger” and “I Told You So” were built up throughout, beginning with reverbed guitar riffs before the drums kicked in and distorted chords and raspy vocals took over.
During one of their most dynamic songs, singer Dylan Hrinda instructed the crowd to crouch down before the song climax. The audience complied, erupting as the heavy drums entered.
Ruby Leftstep thanked Junkyard before Thomas Busemeyer suddenly strummed the opening chords to the band’s hit “Shuteye.” The crowd sang the chorus at the top of their lungs.
Before the final act, the presenter returned holding the doll alongside a pack of Marlboro Reds, crying out, “I just caught my baby smoking a cigarette outside!” before introducing Makeout Palace as “the band you’ve all been waiting for.”
The Boston-based band stood out with its intriguing visual aesthetic. Vocalist Eva Levin wore a flowing Renaissance-style dress, while guitarist Colin appeared in a blue wizard cloak complete with a long white wig and beard.
The band’s sound was equally impressive, evoking early Sonic Youth. The musicians showcased impressive instrumental technique through powerful fry screams and intricate rhythmic shifts.
The hardcore punk and indie rock band performed songs from its 2023 album “MAKEOUT PALACE!” and 2026 EP “4Play.” Though the latter had only recently been released, the crowd belted each lyric.
Each track featured memorable bass solos, angelic harmonies, silky sweep-picked arpeggios and smooth saxophone lines. The members played with unrestrained energy, best reflected by a chipped drum cymbal worn down by the drummer’s intensity.
During “Oh My God,” audience members and concert volunteers all came together to dance. Levin, out of breath, joked she was losing her voice.
The set closed with “Threesome,” a fast-paced song during which the presenter’s doll was thrown up in the air amongst the moshing crowd, before an encore performance of “Marty McFly” ended the night with intense vigor.