Unless you’re a diehard fan of Boston hardcore punk band Give Up the Ghost, you’d be surprised to learn that they’re playing one of their two scheduled reunion shows at the El Rey. Performing as American Nightmare, their original handle before getting a cease-and-desist from a band of the same name, the group has made only a handful of appearances since reforming in 2011. Before they split, the punks were one of the most well-received hardcore bands of the early 2000s. Their first two records, Background Music and We’re Down Til We’re Underground, landed them at the forefront of the post-hardcore movement, which experimented with longer songs and a more progressive sound. Given the limited number of shows the reformed band has played, don’t be surprised if this is their last set in the area for some time.

Sun., Jan. 4, 7 p.m., 2015
(Expired: 01/04/15)

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