The only relevance of the title is that I was wearing this new pair of pants when i attended the shows spoken about below.
$3.75 at Buffalo Exchange woot!
______________________________
Someone recently asked me, why did you start the blog? On the spot all I really thought of was after doing a sort of A&R work for my brother, a blog just seemed like the next step, considering the connections it created and the new internet hype in the industry, but reflecting on it now, its so much more than that. Truth, the blog allows for an actual reason to interact with the bands, I see, besides to let them know how much i like their music. The blog creates a situation where I can dig deeper; it allows me to dissect the music of a certain band, the scene of a certain city, the passion that goes into this billion-dollar industry. Why do I lurk tons of bands pages to add tour dates to me online calendar that probably barely 15 people check? Why do I venture out to so many shows to see bands I’ve only heard of the day before and tell them how much I dig their sound? Why do I spend so much time in the early AM creating these posts? Its more than just wanting people to value and listen to my opinion of music bullshit. Sure, I'd love it if you'd take my advice on a certain band... or go buy a CD because I spoke of its brilliance, although all in all, I support people making up their own minds about what they like and dislike. So what is the point all the rambling is leading to? I created this blog, for the pure love of this industry and everything it encompasses. I value the passion, the attitudes, the lifestyles, the effort, everything... well maybe not the bull politics of it... but anyways.. I'm here to promote what I think is worth promoting. To help spread the word on good music... or at least what I consider to be good music.
... plus if this blog ever gets bigger.. It’d be a nice reference in the future ...haha
so who asked me that?... Justin, guitarist of The Bangkok Five. One of the bands I saw on the 30th.
They played Slim's with Officer Down, Bullets and Octane, and Unwritten Law
I didn’t stick around for Unwritten Law... I had to get over to Bottom of the Hill to catch the Suburban Legends set and flier for Talking House's SFxSXSW compilation. (that comp. actually features many really great local bands such as Maldroid, Street To Nowhere, Panda, Scissors For Lefty and many more... and it is available on itunes... go get it!)
Anyways... the Slim's show was great... I went mainly for Bullets and Octane... who I hadn't seen since back in the imusicast days... so at least a good year and a half + ?... I think
but yea...
I've been addicted to 2 of their songs lately, Songs for the Underdog and The Perfect Bitch.
Although missing their main guitarist and having someone else fill in, they were great, beyond great, fantastic!
The mosh pit that got started during their set.. or that was attempted to get started was rather sad ...
It was the first time I’d seen The Bangkok Five. They played before Bullets. At first they reminded me of a not so harsh bullets and octane... but as their set went on, they developed their own style. I think what made me make that comparison the most was their lead singer. He reminded me a lot of Gene. He had that cocky badass attitude. (that isn't a diss by the way.. I find it very acceptable and often portrayed in other singers of their genre) But the difference was that he just couldn’t pull it off as well as Gene... that mighta just been because he was smaller than Gene (also btw Gene does lead vox for bullets and octane) Anyways, again as the set went on my opinion of the lead singer changed, he grew on me. Honestly, in the beginning my opinion was that he was a little bitch... which was in some ways formed from the vibe I got from the set in consideration with the band's chemistry. It was all worked out though. Summing that up... They have their own sound, the singer really was just as badass as one would hope, and their set was great.
I spoke with one of the guitarists of the band before I left (not Justin.. and I can't remember his name.. and I feel rather badly about that.. but what can ya do right?)... Supposedly this wasn't their best show, actually he claimed it to be one of their worst of the tour. A lot of their shit was malfunctioning or something and then chemistry just was kinda off.
I agree, the chemistry seemed off, but I think they played well considering, and pulled it off
What I loved the most about both The Bangkok Five and Bullets and Octane's sets was the crowd interaction. The guy on lead vox for The Bangkok Five was just messing with everybody.. getting down on his knees in front of them... messing up peoples hair... and just simply engaging them in conversation... well as good of a conversation you can have between one person on a stage with a mic and a large crowd...... At one point Gene (bullets and Octane) was wearing a pair of glasses he stole of the head of a girl on the crowd. If you go to either of these band's shows.. try and get in the front.
Officer Down was the one local band on the bill. And they were great. I'm not a HUGE punk person... well I guess I am... but I’m just not around/exposed to it as much as I am the indie bands of SF...
but anyways... I liked them a lot.
My first impression was a harsher harder bad religion.
but.. again.. my critique and connections with punk music are minimal and not very well educated.
So Paige, should I bother following any of the bands?
Hell fucking yes!
I bought the new Bullets and Octane EP
and the Officer Down CD that was for sale
and am wishing I had gotten a Bangkok Five CD, but just didn't have the cash
and if you know me, you know I don’t usually buy CDs unless I really really like the band..
so... I dub their music purchase worthy... which means...
go see them live
go buy their CDs
go sport their Ts
Keep your eyes out for these guys!
To end this rather lengthy post...
I caught the Suburban Legends' set at Bottom of the Hill just in time.
They just released their new album on the 29th (I bought it. you should buy it)
What I found funny was... the crowd was rocking out harder to Suburban Legends than any of the other bands I had seen that night.
..... YAY Ska bands!.... especially ones that play songs from The Lion King...
My buds HIJK are releasing their new album, The Pen and the Letter, on the 9th at the Rickshw Stop.
(i bought that CD too)... before it was released.. because I'm special... and couldn't make the release..
go check it out and give them some support and love...
coming up..
Judgement Day at Bottom of the Hill on Aug 2nd
and..
Poor Bailey and Audrye Sessions at Blakes on Aug 3rd
and..
Panda, Overview, Tragedy Andy... and more... at Bottom of the Hill on Aug 14th
i should be at all these shows... so.. if you see me.. say Hi...
-Paige
