Titus Andronicus @ Rock N Roll Hotel WDC – 9/26
With security guards taking residence around the stage, DC’s Rock ‘n Roll Hotel braced itself for an unlikely pairing of punk-rock-pop-party debauchery. “WARNING: guaranteed shit show tonight! Hope you are all ready to party….hard!” the venue wrote before the show. They weren’t kidding.
Free Energy
Openers Free Energy may soon have another deal to add under their belt, besides just being produced by the legendary James Murphy. Given the unadulterated rock and roll lovefest they brought to the stage, their hometown of Philadelphia may soon be seeking them as spokespeople for the city of brotherly love. The 70s loving, long-haired quintent, were unapologetic in their references to Cheap Trick and Phil Lynott, without feeling anything like a cover band. Lead singer Paul Sprangers got on stage with gangly-limbed dance moves and Johansen-esque microphone caresses. His bandmates joined in on the action, with guitarist Scott Wells parading around on stage smiling and whipping his hair, walking over to his actual brother, bassist Evan Wells, as they jammed in all their classic rock glory. Even the punk-rocker headliners Titus Andronicus couldn’t resist, joining FE on stage for a duet of Springsteen’s ‘I’m Going Down.” As Sprangers and Patrick Stickles embraced, somewhere in Philadelphia the mayor picked up the phone.
When Titus Andronicus took the stage and Stickles sounded the first chords of “A More Perfect Union’ the audience rumbled forward. Within seconds both the stage and the mosh pit-once-floor were drenched in sweat. Strickles may seem like the unlikely leader, but it is a position he doesn’t simply assume, but commands both with his intelligence and brute force. He knows his musical back-story (Well, almost. He taunted with a few chords of ‘Waiting Room’ before admitting he didn’t know the rest), his historical context (a band named after Shakespeare and a concept album using the Civil War as social commentary) and he understands how to fill the left over cracks of a disillusioned generation. Sure, there are other bands that tackle the millennial generation promised everything which then added up to nothing. But TA do it will a nihilistic this-ship-is-going-down-and-we’re-going-with-you guttural yell.
While much credit is given to Strickles, the contributions of Amy Klein should not go unnoticed. In a seeming boys-club she stomps on stage and beats them at their own game. She screams, she yells, she plays classical violin. Klein’s talents, which expand far beyond a concert hall, easily nominate her as a voice of this age in the same way Kathleen Hanna stormed the 90s. After joining in for one of Free Energy’s songs, a band member said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, the remarkable Amy Klein.” Such a phrase was perhaps the only understated thing about the night. While the night certainly produced a few bruises, one simply could not shake the feeling of one big happy anarchist-punk-pop-screw the titles-family amongst all the musicians. Throughout TA’s set, Free Energy eagerly waited in the wings, bobbing their heads and heckling from the sidelines. It would hardly be a surprise if tour dates were soon released for “The Titus Andronicus Free Energy Family Band.” (Free T&A is also in the running). Yet despite any potential title changes perhaps the best note can be taken from the headliner’s namesake: “A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet”; regardless of any formalities, these guys would still rock.
Tokyo Police Club @ The Black Cat WDC – 7/27
While perhaps a forgotten memory to many Americans, our friendly nation to the north, Canada, once burned down our White House. Proving history can repeat itself, a mostly Canadian line-up (Arkells, Tokyo Police Club), and some Brooklynites (Freelance Whales), stormed the nation’s capital once again at the Black Cat Club in downtown DC. While the torch-fire was ostensibly missing, the amazing light show and raw energy made sure that sparks were flying.
Arkells
In looking for a solid opener, Tokyo Police Club could not have done better with their gem of a find, Arkells. While the band may not yet have garnished their much-deserved recognition in the states, with sets like this it shouldn’t be long. Their songs invoke tales of working-class heroes, so titles such as “John Lennon” come as no surprise along with “Oh, the Boss is Coming!”, “No Champagne Socialist” and “The Ballad of Huge Chavez.” Yet, they displayed no disruptive balance of power, instead providing a glimpse of refreshing band camaraderie, with guitarist Mike DeAngelis often roaming the stage to confront others in playful on-stage duels. After closing the set, it was apparent it would be a battle for those who were to follow.
Freelance Whales (From Left to Right : Kevin Read, Judah Dadone, Doris Cellar)
Freelance Whales took to the stage next, playing a solid set comprised of a literal musical chairs, as they constantly switched amongst their armory of instruments. The band did have one thing missing, the musical apparatus that has attained a cult-like status amongst fans: a silver tin watering can. FW sound similar to many bands you’ve already heard, often drawing comparisons to Passion Pit or the Postal Service, an appropriate evaluation as they could deviate to either fates: current sensation or one-record wonders. FW plays to the present phenomenon of artsy-folk-instrumental-synthetic-pop-rock and it seems what will come to be their greatest hurdle is not just being a great copy of all the Sufjans and Gibbards before them, but a new reinvention that seems relevant not just reformed.
Tokyo Police Club (singer and bassist Dave Monks, keyboardist Graham Wright )
As the lights exploded color and outlined shadows of the four-some appeared, pandemonium erupted. For the band that promised “a way to celebrate”, Tokyo Police Club did not disappoint. They tore onto the stage with ‘Favourite Colour’ followed by ‘Nature of the Experiment’ and ‘Not Sick’. TPC is a band made to be seen live and they truly did what they know best. Allowing for little chatter between songs, the Canadian rockers ripped through years of our collective memories at breakneck speed. For those younger in the audience, TPC’s lyrics read like an unrealized cautionary tale; for others it serves as a memoir. Backed by a stellar band and a magnetic front man, TPC’s performance shows why they are one of the best reads out on the market. While it has yet to be seen if their relevance can withstand the years, TPC are happy where they are now, ‘happy to be back’, and it’s a happiness that can’t help but be contagious. And as the crowd left etched with smiles, one thing was clear. History can repeat itself, even with the absence of fire and a building colored black, Canadians most certainly can still bring down the house.
Tokyo Police Club Drummer Greg Alsop
TPC Singer/Bassist, Dave Monks
Tokyo Police Club Set List:
Favourite Colour
Nature of the Experiment
Not Sick
Graves
Box
End of a Spark
In a Cave
Hands Reversed
Big Difference
Be Good
Favourite Food
Gone
Citizens of Tomorrow
Tessellate
Breakneck Speed
Wait up (Boots of Danger)
Your English is Good
Junior League Band @ Rock N Roll Hotel WDC 7/16
Writer/Photographer: Brooks Hays
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Hotel is located in the dare I say “hip” up and coming neighborhood often referred to as “H Street” and formerly known as the “Atlas District.” The venue is a more rough and tumble version of the Black Cat, with a rowdier clientele, limited standing room, and less bar space to track down a drink. When you do manage to lure a bartender over to your smidgen of claimed wood, he only charges you four dollars when you order a 22 oz. PBR. Like DC9, it’s rather easy to slither you’re way to the very front of the crowd, a short flip of sweat and slobber away from the lead singer. But in the case of The Junior League, that lead singer is a foxy Southern belle with mean banjo skills. Unfortunately Lissy Rosemont’s love shakin’ curves are spoken for, as she mentioned her fiance during some inter-song babble. But listeners can still close their eyes, savor her uniquely throaty and seductive vocals, flavored with a sweet Southern drawl and the smell of whiskey, and let one’s imaginations run wild. 
The Junior League’s sound is hard to pin down, but it’s clear that much of it is intended for a crowd willing to drink heavily and dance, preferable progressive line dancing and intermittent high kicks. The primary concoction here is a dynamic combination of country, blue grass, and rock ‘n’ roll. It’s mixed with a down-home sensibility and packaged for a swanky saloon or smoky New Orleans piano bar. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Hotel sufficed for the night. The setlist consisted of mostly samplings from the group’s newest record *Jelly Roll*, but was seasoned with some of Rosemont’s oldest material, as well as a well-executed Muddy Water’s cover, and a rousing rendition of The Beatles’ “I’ve Got A Feeling” (also found on their recent release). While I wasn’t lubricated enough to risk the safety of my camera and let loose on the dance floor, nor familiar enough with The Junior Leagues repertoire to sing along, I’m always game for a good ole fashioned honky-tonk alt-country show, and the Junior League delivered. What I liked most about the Junior League was their ability to deftly negotiate the use and mix of, as well as transitioning among, so many different genres, from blue grass to folk to country to rock, to even jazz and the Delta blues. The group held the stage with obvious delight, smiling and laughing through the entirety of their set. Lead guitarist John Lee ripped solo after solo, and proceeded to brush off his shoulders like it ain’t no thang. All of the members of the band play in at least one other group, making it quite difficult for them to tour. But let’s hope they work out the logistics and hit another DC stage soon. I want to be there again before these guys make it to the majors.
Set List
Don’t Be A Stranger
Jelly Roll
Too Far
Brother
S.C. Blues
The Best Is Yet
A Curious Thing
L.A. Blues
Charm
Falling For You
Waiting For Your Love
My Demon Is Bigger Than Yours
So I Went Out
I’ve Got A Feeling
How Long
Encore …
Red Is The Rose
Smashing Pumpkins @ The Norva – 7/15/10
The Smashing Pumpkins, one of the most successful and frenzied bands of the 1990′s took center stage the other night in front of a passionate crowd of 30-somethings, all hoping to relive the glory of their youth. Strange that such dark and heavy songs, rich with gothic overtones and creepy whining, reminds us of carefree days but that’s the way it is. The Pumpkins were one of the best bands during the rise of “alternative rock” and managed to unite heavy psychedelic techniques of the 60′s and 70′s with the growing angst and displaced attitudes of 90′s grunge. The band released several ambitious albums before breaking up in 2000 after a string of personal issues and fleeting record sales. Sadly, once you crack the pumpkin, you can’t piece it back together.
While the marquis outside did indeed read “Smashing Pumpkins”, the band playing for two hours inside could more accurately be described as simply, The Billy Corgan Show. Standing front in center with a silly grin and his Nosferatu dome, the 43 year old Chicago-native surrounded himself with a passionate drummer, a short-skirted hottie on bass, and a talented under-utilized guitarist of Asian descent. Sound familiar? Let it be known however, the Pumpkins-reincarnate know how to play. Each band member put in a solid performance and Mike Byrne’s tight and pounding drums were so strong he at one point broke his kick drum. Corgan’s hired guns are a talented bunch and did the Pumpkins catalog justice. There is no doubt in my mind that Billy Corgan is in the Top 20 of American guitarists and his distortion heavy riffs have inspired more recent breakout bands like The Silversun Pickups. But if the story of The Smashing Pumpkins is anything, it’s a tragedy.
The band opened with “Astral Planes”, one of the five songs released off their free 44-song/11 EP box set called Teargarden by Kaleidyscope which is being released in portions across the next year or so. With the excitement at an all time high, it seemed like a good time to sneak in an otherwise so-so tune. The song played much better live than in the scope of their website but it was clearly a sign of things to come. The band followed that up with “Ava Adore” a track off their disappointing fourth album Adore. Corgan and friends then played lesser known tracks off older albums (“Hummer”) and more electronica obscurities like “Eye” but seemed to resent playing fan favorites “Today”, “Bullet With Butterfly Wings” and “Tonight, Tonight.” At one point Corgan even scolded a fan for not knowing the lyrics to one of the songs off Zeitgeist. The sad truth was that no one did. The crowd soon became divided with those who wanted a more immediate return on their $50 investment and those just along for the ride.
Then there was the encore. After a satisfying and energetic “Tonight, Tonight” the band cleared the stage and we all prepared for the band’s best. They soon emerged to play “Freak”, they’re newest release and one of their better songs of the past 15 years. But just when you thought everything was going to be okay, Billy Corgan erupted into a 20 minute distortion heavy mess of self-gratifying guitar bends and plucks known as “Gossamer”. It’s a Zeitgeist throwaway that the band only plays live. It was a bombastic and absurd way to end the show and even guitarist Jeff Schroeder seemed to look over in boredom at Corgan’s ridiculous antics. Like Marty McFly’s “much more enjoyable” Johnny B. Good solo in “Back To The Future”, it left the entire audience stunned. But not in a good way. When everyone was dying to hear “1979″, “33″ or “Zero”, Corgan instead chose to give us a drawn out and excruciatingly lame farewell. I appreciate the desire to channel a Jimi Hendrix-like finale Billy, but rule #1 in any live performance – know your audience.
All in all I will continue to hold fond memories of The Smashing Pumpkins. “Zero” will always be one of my favorite songs and Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness will always be one of my favorite albums. I still think Billy Corgan is a tremendous guitar player and a talented song-writer. But alas, that was 15 years ago and along with the other three founding members, the appeal and mystique of The Smashing Pumpkins has floated away. If three-quarters of the band is gone and the lead singer doesn’t want to play the songs that made him rich and famous, it might be time to change the band name. The pumpkins are officially smashed.
Setlist
01 – Astral Planes
02 – Ava Adore
03 – Hummer
04 – As Rome Burns
05 – Song For A Son
06 – Today
07 – Bleeding The Orchid
08 – Eye
09 – Stand Inside Your Love
10 – Bullet With Butterfly Wings
11 – United States
12 – Widow Wake My Mind
13 – Perfect
14 – Cherub Rock
15 – Disarm
16 – Stumbleine
17 – Owata
18 – Tarantula
19 – Tonight, Tonight
Encore
20 – Freak
21 – Gossamer [20:34]
