Itchy Kitty, Gaytheist, Blunt Skulls

I hadn’t dived into Gaytheist before seeing the Portland punk trio play a show with Itchy Kitty last November at Berserk, so as the band was setting up the only thought running through my head was “God, I hope these guys don’t suck… it’d be such a waste of a good band name.” Thankfully, it turns out Gaytheist does — in fact — rock, mixing big, old-school hardcore punk riffs with a melodic sensibility and a clear dose of humor. The fact that bowtie-wearing singer/guitarist Jason Rivera (himself a gay atheist) resembles a friendly high school guidance counselor while drummer Nick Parks and bassist Tim Hoff look like intense metal dudes, only ups the aesthetic fun factor. Thank the nonexistent queer Lord for Gaythiest.

Itchy Kitty, Gaytheist, Blunt Skulls • Sat, Sept. 7 at 9 pm • $10-$12 • 21+ • The District Bar • 916 W. First Ave. • sp.knittingfactory.com