The man who calls himself Fences, Chris Mansfield, comes across as very young, in every sense of the word. His interpretations of destroyed relationships, his waffling between self-loathing and self-pity, his declarations of affection that almost sound like fishing for compliments - purposefully or not, Mansfield has painted a diverse and honest portrait of a fucked-up guy in his 20s who never knows, moment to moment, the right thing to say. For some people, this kind of flirting-with-emo music has the effect of a great many nails being dragged along a chalkboard. Others may see a bit of themselves in Mansfield's plaintive lyrics.

To read Rev. Adam McKinney's full story, click here.

Fences

with Mansions, Heidi Vladyka, Love Songs From The Hated
Friday, July 29, 9 p.m., $5 advance, $7 door
Hell's Kitchen, 928 Pacific Ave., Tacoma
253.759.6003