#spitfire saloon

[holley4734]

Basic Bitch out of Water: Daily Post

When was the last time you did something completely new and out of your element? How was it? Will you do it again?

Over the weekend, I did an interview with a band in person. We went to a bar that we had never been to before in a town that we’re not from.

http://www.punkrockbar.com/

I may have had a shot of rum because I was so nervous. Have you ever asked for Malibu in a punk rock bar? Well, I…

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[photosbycas]

11-07-14 | Cadaver Dogs | Spitfire Saloon

[and-we-dont-care]

Photos: The Spitfire Saloon, December 2012

All photos ©Rachel Solomon (http://nevermindthecamera.tumblr.com)

[and-we-dont-care]

Taking a Moment To Appreciate The Spitfire Saloon: Featuring The Unknown and Zapguns

There's a definite sense of feeling at home when you pop into the Spitfire, an accessibility that is more transparent then even some of my favorite places to hang out that are crafted out of a similar mold. From what I hear, there used to be a cage around the stage but that's now gone adding to a really personalized atmosphere. Because of this, the distinct separation that usually exists between band and audience melts away, with everyone that rushes to the front of the stage upon hearing that first searing introductory riff feeling like they're a part of the action. And that's truly the way it should be. When you wander in you feel the brightness of the occupants, something skirting the line of carefree righteousness, the feeling that everyone here is here for the right purpose. Not true for every place you go. You get yourself a drink, and while you're waiting for the band to set up, or whatever, you kind of let yourself roost in this dim, red aura that surrounds the bar. Wood flooring, janky wood tables and dark old walls coated with cryptic graffiti, stickers, signs and a delectable checkerboard of classic album art create a pleasant dinginess. The dinginess you want, because you didn't come to a fucking jazz lounge. Strange artwork, that is apparently for sale, adorns sections of wall. “Monster vs. Tank” $200. A large sign exists that reads NO JUNKIES! You Will Be Beaten. The people are cool, and casual. The barmaids are attractive with tattoos, and there's a “jukebox” that looks like a prop from a '70s sc-fi B-movie, but which has an impressive selection that includes Turbonegro's 3 worst albums (and their best ones).

I get the feeling that the night of Saturday May 4th was kind of an extravaganza for the club, but it was such a packed, wonderful and exciting time and really showcased how balls out energetic/outlandish the place can get. But, I found myself in this sanctuary and Zapguns, a 5 piece riff monster was about to go on, opening for the Unknown, a self described “pop-punk” group re-assembling for their first show in 6 years. Because of this the night takes on a bit of event status. It's something that has been built up for a while and there's a brotherly aspect to the proceedings. A lot of friends and cohorts are in attendance, and the night seems to be kind of a big deal in its scope. The Unknown in particular have amassed quite a following for their first gig in a while. 

Phase one begins with Zapguns, and it's their notes that ring across the bar, and send everyone flurrying to the front, creating this crowded subway station effect. It's apparent, early on, that shows at the Spitfire are going to have a different intensity than other places you like to frequent. From what I can gather there might be nights where bands play to 3-9 people, and there are crazy nights like this where things happen to get buckwild. Regardless of the night's atmosphere, the stage proximity promotes an immersive experience for the listener. Its audience area is also more wide than deep, because it takes shape around the bar forming a kind of outstretched, trapezoidal type area. You just kind of cram in, and any stragglers form a wing shape out the ends like they're waiting in line at the post-office.

Zapguns is five guys with three guitars, and I must say their sound is promising, and their show enjoyable. The singer/frontman/guitarist is Sean Burns, a bearded, bespectacled gentleman cutting a work-man like figure with a Misfits shirt underneath his unbuttoned button-up shirt. Zapguns mowed their way through about 8 or so songs, a set that was a digestible gauntlet of impassioned, 2 minute songs with distinct hooks--the last of which was a cover of a cover (Nina Simone's “Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood”, later popularized by The Animals). I'm pretty sure I understand what they like to cook up. Burns has what amounts to, I guess, this low bark in his delivery, and lanky left-most guitarist, Rick Horchy, provides an effective counter-balance with throat-straining background vocals, and takes lead vox on one tune. One song in particular had him build up to a nice screaming finish. I really like the enthusiasm of the band members and because of that everything I heard from them chugged along and provided something to really move to.

The Unknown's show was really impressive. Transitionally, their sound was jarring, but I adjusted to it, and enjoyed what was a really energetic performance by a band that has obviously left a lasting impression in a lot of people's hearts in the area. Perhaps the contrast made these bands good complements to each other, because while Zapguns have a tinge of pop ascension in their tri-guitar interplay, they're more about being direct with edged-out riffs and intensely deliberate vocals. The irony of the band being called The Unknown on this night was that they instigated a real crowd. Their sound is elevated, with driving rhythms and vocals to match, courtesy of smooth-headed Ken Blaze. Blaze embodies the band, as its founder and longest tenured member, and also with his absolute presence. He has a desperate wail that is similar to the stylings of a few people in the supposed genre- that uplifting melody that encourages singing along, that seemingly corkscrews its pitch mid-note. As a band that was most active in the '90s... it just fits and makes absolute sense. Projected on the wall behind them was a mystifying slideshow of album covers that provided a subliminal backdrop that made you want to catch up with their discography. By the 20th time through, I was imagining all these albums in my iTunes like I was well versed in the band, and I was pretending to analyze imagined themes and structures from album to album like their legacy was so profound they were the Beatles. But I have to say, they have some really good album titles; who wouldn't want to listen to an album called “Radio Lied To Me” ?

They played for a really long time, and while my back began to go into an early stage of rigor mortis at some point, it was a really worthwhile time, and they seemed to run the gamut through a shit-ton of their material, which satiated their fans. Like I said, this was a big deal and they had an insane outpouring of supporting fans that were ready to rage. If you had never seen this group, as I had not, you couldn't help but be wowed by how they worked up this crowd. Watching these people's overwhelming enthusiasm, with fans/friends jumping on stage at the end to help jam some songs was a real rush, and they seemingly left nothing to play. They left their demos out on the stage, folks.

After things kind of cleared out and settled down, I sat down at the bar to take in more of the atmosphere of the place. Bask in the Spitfire, so to speak. A drunk guy started mumbling to me, then an awesome Zero Boys song started playing on the jukebox, then this kid started tapping his hands on the bar to the drums in the Misfits' “Vampira” And in that moment I remember feeling something like hope for humanity. And I think that's basically how I feel about the Spitfire Saloon right now.  

[roxyperoxide]

Propagandhi - Anti Manifesto 

Onto Propagandhi. If you're just tuning in, we're discussing the EPIC SPITFIRE SHOW this Friday, where Voice of Addiction will be dressing up as our favorite Canadian state-smashers. VoA will be performing "How To Clean Everything", pretty much in its entirety from what I hear. Get dancin', or get dyin', people.

[roxyperoxide]

Kill The Hippies - Teenage Suicide Bomber 

More prep for the shamazing Spitfire show on Friday, here's the band that will be "dressing up as" the Freeze: Kill the Hippies from Kent, OH. I've never seen 'em, but I love their sound and I think covering the Freeze was a perfect choice for them.

[roxyperoxide]

The Freeze - I Hate Tourists

Continuing our prep for the aforementioned EPIC SPITFIRE SHOW this Friday, here's another one from the FREEZE, who will be covered by Kill The Hippies. Having lived on Cape Cod, and on the same Rt. 28 mentioned in this song, I can sympathize with their message. 

[waxgordon-blog-blog]

May 14 - Cleveland show

We are finally heading back to the CLE.  Playing with some awesome folks.  We've already told you how we heart Lorain Skum, can't wait to see Gluttons, and Hot Ham & Cheese are our freakin boys.

Saturday, May 14 @ Spitfire Saloon http://punkrockbar.com/

Hot Ham & Cheese Gluttons Waxgordon Lorain Skum

The Spitfire's steel cage stage is going to get thrashed.  Can. Not. Wait. For. This.