Java Review: Mint Green Makes a Grand Return

I have received several complaints as a “Masshole” that everyone from Boston, Massachusetts, has an absurdly bloated ego. To that, I say fair point — but how could you not when you perform at the all-powerful Boston Calling music festival? Ladies and gentlemen… Mint Green.  

Mint Green is a Boston-based punk rock outfit helmed by lead vocalist and guitarist Ronnica alongside drummer (and resident physician) Dr. Daniel Huang. The duo met after Ronnica published a Craigslist ad in the Boston area looking for new bandmates. They eventually compiled a quartet with Tiffany Sammy on bass and an alternating slew of lead guitarists. Ronnica and Huang remain the only two consistent members since forming in 2016. Utilizing word-of-mouth and a series of quirky promotional TikToks featuring notable covers of Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ “Maps” and Phoebe Bridgers’ “Motion Sickness,” the group gathered an assertive local Beantown following.  

This week’s Java concert was not Mint Green’s first foray into St. Lawrence University’s rambunctious atmosphere. The band graciously arrived on campus last fall with their wits up and a slightly different line-up than this past Thursday’s performance. I was not in attendance at their past Java foray, but I eagerly showed up for an eventful experience this time. And after a widely publicized show at this summer’s Boston Calling, hopes were high.  

The first blatant observation about Mint Green’s style is its repetitive consistency. They began their set with an upbeat punk original, settling into a 110 BPM tempo. The guitarist jabbed at quartered power chords underneath husky “talk-singing” vocal lines from Ronnica. She truly knows how to play the eccentric lead role to its extent, which unfortunately runs out of steam quickly. The following songs see the band in static positions, letting the music fall out of their instruments rather than letting it express itself naturally through their dynamic playing.  

I must clarify that these critiques do not apply to Doctor Drums himself. Huang was smacking sticks and banging the house down with his eclectic, electric, hyperbolic, James-Kemp-award-winning, smashing, mashing, and groove-driven drum display. Java Superfan Amelia Stacy ’27 gave a solid thumbs up to the band’s collection of spirited punk jams, stating, “they were (pause for effect) very good!” Seems like the band was a true crowd-pleaser.  

The Java crew had another rocky week to endure after COVID-19 seized one ill-fated housemate and the entire opening act, Divine Sweater. Their absence left a shadow of uncertainty and tension as the barn doors opened, the tension that washed away as the venue quickly garnered one of its largest crowds in years. Mint Green astounded the audience with colorful covers of Clairo, Post Malone and the powerful rendition of Radiohead’s “Creep” alongside their revamped originals.  

Although their lackluster showmanship and steadfast rhythmic focus may not be my cup of tea, I recognize the effort and veracity that Mint Green puts into each of their songs. Their energy, though one-note, is constant and accelerates heart rates at a shocking quickness. I wish to see the boisterous Boston Bruisers return next fall with a new line-up and an even proudly punkier sweetened setlist.