Music
Proof that Ground-Breaking Music always takes a Back Seat
Metal shows are often questionable territory: a sea of long-hairs and Nordic looking individuals beating the ever living shit out of each other, with no consideration for the smaller guys with haircuts, i.e., me. Entering The Venue Tuesday evening was quite a shock, when the crowd was thick with not metal dudes, but hardcore kids. … read more
Street Punk Gone Rock Star: Clit 45 show review
The show, as it has always been with the Lower Class Brats, was awesome. Besides the security guards sniffing around for disorderly skinheads that tried to start a brawl at the last LCB show (supposedly protecting a kid from being beat up by the large bassist of LCB), the concert held on the Sabbath was unusually large, and full of pissed, though content, punk-rockers. … read more
Bloc Party show review
Being labeled “the best” of just about anything is as much a curse as it is a blessing. So when a reckless journalist labeled Bloc Party the best new band in the UK, they might as well have thrown in a first-aid kit for all the bruising that the band had waiting for them. It’s hard to see past all the hyperbole and look for potential, even when you consider yourself a sympathetic fan. … read more
Never Sweat a Show Until You Hit the Dancefloor: Fiery...
My buddy Scott, my girlfriend and I sauntered into the safety of the crowd as Dios Malos was finishing up their set but concluded that a beeline to the bar and cheap well drinks were far more in order than standing and watching a band that wasn’t rocking that hard anyway. … read more
Consafos, Bella Lea, and The Good Life Show Review
I was having one of those days where I felt like hurting myself for no reason. I was irritable, lonely and in need of violence, whether emotional or psychological. Not that I’m usually violent or anything, but it happens, you know? Therefore, a night of mellow and/or cute bands at Kilby Court was the last thing I wanted to do, but I had agreed to review the show and I wasn’t gonna wuss out. … read more
Tea, again? A Tegan & Sarah Show Review
Perhaps it’s because I’m not gay. Or, maybe it’s because I’m a man. Whatever the reason is, I don’t understand why, or, more appropriately, how it is that so many people can adore Tegan and Sara. … read more
Pounds of Love for the Legendary Porch Pounders
The last night of SXSW, on Saturday, Angela and I went to see a Bill Kirchen show with Bad Brad at this cool wooden cafe on the other side of the bridge from downtown Austin. … read more
Legendary Shack Shakers Show Review
Lucky for me, I stumbled into a bowl of pure organic octane. As fate should have it, my reason for being at the lounge was unable to perform that evening due to an illness. Allured by the mere mention of “Shack” and “Shaker,” I was curious about the roots of the headliner that evening. … read more
Backyard Babies show review
I was caught off guard the night of Feb. 10 by some sort of speedy Swedish gear-switching that left me still in the bar with half a tall glass of Pabst in my hand when the Backyard Babies from Stockholm took the stage at In the Venue and struck their first notes in support of Social Distortion. … read more
Subtle Show Review
For those who have had the opportunity to attend any live shows at Kilby Court know that it can sometimes lead to an odd assembly of strangers with one common intent: to experience their favorite artist’s music in an intimate atmosphere. … read more