It’s always a challenge to review a live show. I suppose if I spent a huge chunk of time deconstructing the evening, so that each reader could imagine the sights, smells, tastes, and feel of the venue, you’d get a real sense of being there, and maybe it’ll convince you to go in the future if you get a chance. However, time and words are wasted on the details when your audience is hyper and hungry for the sounds of summer. That being said, the Sidebar was full of circles of friends, swirls of smoke, and despite it’s limited size, distinct sections in the room: the gaggle of drunks next to the bathroom who have no intention of using the bathroom, the sweltering atmosphere that arcs about 7 feet beyond the stage, the oasis under the fan, the barstool warmers who enjoy a set in their own way, and the small hole of sadness that surrounded the merch table guy, spending his night imprisoned by vinyl and t-shirts, his only contact with the outside world being gawkers and change-counting punks.
I’ve never waited in line for an imminently sold out show before. The line was down the block, around the corner, and down the block again. Maybe it’s not a big deal to show-goers with more notches in their belt that I, but I guess it was reassuring that I’m not the only lunatic who would wait in line for an hour to see Joe Jitsu play. I made it in and so did the 30 people behind me but that was it (initially). I was ready to get things started two steps inside, just as I’m sure you’re ready for the commentary to end and the highlight reel to begin.
American Riot was the local warm up. They played some pretty rockin’ punk, and their album is available to download for free online. They seemed to have a good idea or two in the set, and the price is right so check ‘em out.
I was excited to see Joe Jitsu play their brand of TX punk pop, and the band delivered. I’ll take mid-tempo pop with great hooks and vocals over speedy crapcore any day. Speaking of vocals though, it took me 1.5 songs to realize the backing vox came from the drummer. First I looked left, then right, thinking I was just missing one of the other axe-men on the mic. Foolish me. I believe some new tunes were in the set, and I’m very much looking forward to a new release. I easily could have listened to another half-dozen gems from these guys.
Seeing Lemuria play live is another thing to check off the to-do list. I have a few of their 7”s (mostly splits) and enjoy them quite a bit. I wasn’t sure how their off-kilter punk would translate live but to my surprise it seems to come together quite well. The guitarist/singer Sheena could belt it out pretty good, sounding just like those hard-hitting vocals I’ve heard coming off the wax at home. It’s something I respect and personally consider it the mark of a great singer. Even with my limited listening experience some songs were instantly recognizable, which I think is a testament to the band’s unique smart-punk sound. The drummer was perfectly spastic and the energy output overall seemed to dwarf what could comparatively be called a diminutive trio.
Nancy are the closest thing I have to a home town hero, so I felt a tinge of pride and camaraderie when Phrank, Fritz, and company took the stage. And beyond that, what can I say that won’t be considered a biased statement? They rocked the shit out of the place, every song both old and brand new was awesome, and the ponx were upped to a very high degree. A frenzy of sharp guitar work, double-impact vocals, and crowd shaking shout-alongs. The bar has officially been set for tight, brilliant punk rock. Not just for this Fest though, for the whole year and then some. Bring it.
Delay played next, and once again brought the goods as they did last year. Pogo-inducing pop punk tunes filled with both fist pumping and “whoa oh” moments. This Ohio quartet is one of few bands that can take it to the next level in the live setting. Hell, they should just record their next album live at a club. At this point in the evening I was baking in my own juices, so I stepped back towards the door to catch just an ounce of the draft. The Delay kids aren’t winning any slam-dunk contests any time soon, so I’ll just have to assume they looked good rocking out on the stage, surrounded by a sea of jumping fans.
Up next was Super Duper Tattle Tales Sing-A-Long Time, featuring Christian on acoustic guitar and vocals, and Anya on Moog and vocals. I’ve said before that you can’t keep a good song down, and this set was more evidence in my pile. No rhythm section, no mega-voltage of electric power, just great pop songs that work in a small duo setting, standing alone on catchy melodies and memorable lyrics. All the hits from the full length came through bright and clear, and with a choir of giddy, intoxicated pop punkers as back up, the phasers were undoubtedly set on fun. A panty-popping good time.
Team Stray played next and the stunning streak of great bands continued. One of the few “pure” pop punk bands of this era that do it right – short, simple songs that whip you up into a blitz of singing and dancing, leaving no room for rest, only just enough energy to shout 12 different song requests at once. I’m fairly sure they played their songs even faster this time around, which I enjoyed since it allowed extra song/s to be squeezed in at the end. Eric on drums really ripped it up, it was awesome to see him in action.
Well there you have it, other bands were on the bill, but I must remind you I’m only human! One man can’t be a reviewer of all things.
- Mark Hughson
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