HOMETOWN DEBUT - Madison/Chicago, July 5-6
Alright, with a couple of shows under our belt we were ready to unveil this thing for a hometown crowd. What better place than the cramped and sweaty front corner of Mickey’s Tavern? We were up first and played pretty flawlessly (aside from one computer glitch that was seamlessly remedied that many people didn't even notice). The packed crowd was right in our faces, most with shit-eating grins on their faces -- when we could see them through the smoke and strobes. Afterwards it was all smiles and slaps on the back. I guess we struck a nerve? It was especially gratifying for me -- I'd been pretty anxious about how it would go over considering I'm doing something totally different from past projects. I was pretty floored when someone said we reminded them of Killing Joke. I coasted through sets by Our Friends The Savages and Gran Fury, barely paying attention and still riding on the adrenaline/endorphin high. Feels good man.
Saturday afternoon on the way over to Pete's house, I bought yet another dongle doo-hickey for our computer set-up (I'll spare you the technical details -- PM if you want the nitty gritty) that hopefully will be the final piece of the puzzle. I-90 traffic sucked as usual and Pete cracked himself up narrating a short Final Destination doc as we followed a semi loaded with logs. This show was an event that I helped set up, dubbed Don't Quit: PRF Addendum. The annual Electrical Audio-affiliated PRF BBQ always has way more bands submitting to play than can actually be accommodated and we didn't make the cut. Instead of grousing (OK we groused a little), we did our own thing setting up a show with all bands that likewise did not make the cut. Two of the PRF credos (besides "Blast it with Piss") are "Don't Quit" and "Doin' Thangs" so...
We arrived early at Live Wire and chilled with the wacky bartender and loquacious daytime regulars. First up was Dummy, old guys playing legit old-school Chicago punk rock. Then Seaxes, mathy noiserock ala Shellac. Highly recommended. Then it was our turn. Again we played pretty flawlessly and our drummer didn't take a shit on stage. Fog and light apparently made quite an impression as well and there were high fives galore following our set. Stick Horse followed us with a swampy take on indie rock. The night was closed out by the mighty Ribbonhead who turned in an absolutely stunning set. I mean, they never cease to amaze me, but that set was spectacular in its ferocity and affect. Holy shit. Camaraderie continued after the show with a visit to Logan Arcade and chilling at Jesse and Emily's house. Great night, great people.