Bryan's Apt., Somers Point, NJ 5/4/07
Hoo Boy, where to begin? The ambience was like no other. We've played house shows before, but this one took the cake. From how tiny overall the place was, to the hole in the bathroom floor covered conveniently by an Aunt Jemima's pancake mix box, to the odor from the overflowing cat box, it was unique I tell ya, unique! But beggers can't be choosers and since we lost the original venue in Blackwood one day before the show, I'm glad Bryan stepped up to the plate offering his humble abode. Guess I just should've cased the place first!
Yeah, it was organized chaos with me still having no idea what to expect when we pulled up. Sean from VB Boys had only called me the evening before asking us to play. I thought for sure Penny would say no, but the fucker said yes! It was then a question of what gear would be there. We've been asked to play house parties before and we certainly don't mind as long as there's gear for us there. All the better to make a quick escape from, especially with all the underage drinking going on. Yup kids, it's hip to be square. All I have is visions of the po-po showing up and since I'm usually the oldest one there, get fingered for providing the hootch even though I never do. We've had a couple close calls before, so my fear is not unfounded.
So yesterday morning after several goings back and forth on myspace, it was still undetermined who was bringing what and who exactly was playing. I just knew the VB Boy's drummer's kit would be there so I was all set. It was then set to meet up at the band shed at 3 and figure it out. Andy and Penny brought their amps anyway just in case. Penny was busy packing up new CD's of the 1st album we had printed up for the merch. I just grabbed my throne and sticks.
So we get there and go "nice, looks pretty big" only to be told it was not the house, but an apartment in the back. Clue number one should've been the pool filled with a black tar looking substance according to Andy with a chair thrown in for added measure. Clue 2 was the rickety stairs leading up that were already buckling under our massive girth. No way the amps would've made it up there. Clue 3 was the literal heap of garbage piled up outside the door. I know a few of you might be thinking "that's punk rock!". Um no, that's a mess! The kids remarked how they've been in better squat houses. But this is a show review, not tips on "Good Housekeeping" so let's continue.
We made our way in to be greeted by our old pal Freaky Frank and Chris both formerly of Xyile sitting and watching "The DaVinci Code" on DVD. Sean was already there along with Bryan and his gal. We got there promptly at 4, but Sean messed up with his start time as it wouldn't start 'till later. The kids immediately bolted for the safety of the van leaving Andy and I alone. I must say our hosts were gracious and offered me a ginger ale while Andy sipped on a baby hi-c drink. I then learned the VB Boy's drummer might not make it and even if he did, wasn't bringing his drums. So the only choice was Freaky Frank's drumkit, if you could call it that. Again, beggers can't be choosers, but I'm seriously thinking of organizing a fund raiser to help my fellow percussionist out. It was literally falling apart. The snare gave us the most trouble as we tried getting it into shape. No wing tom, so I just had a floor tom to go with. This actually came in handy as I learned I can play KC's drumkit from J3 now. The hi-hat stand was a story in itself. The kick pedal looked like it was hanging on for dear life, but it held up surprisingly well. The cymbals, and I use that term lightly, well, that's where most of the trouble lie. The "crash" reminded me of my old "ninja death star" hi-hats from the early days of the band. Where at every practice you took your own life in your hands because of the shards of flying hi-hat heading in every direction, hoping they'd avoid a major artery. I really think I would've been better using a pot cover instead of the "crash". The "ride" faired a little better, but not by much. It still had somewhat of a cymbal sound despite the cracks and holes.
By this point Matt & Judy along with the Quaren Teens had showed up, it was near 5:30, so it was time to start. Despite the odds against me, I thought I did pretty good on the kit. I still was laughing the whole time. Penny just leaned up against the refrigerator (yup, we were playing in the kitchen area) smoking ciggys nonstop and playing almost jazzy sounding runs on his bass. Andy braved on doing all the vocals himself. I did shout out a few a couple times that could be heard above the din. Sean was beyond obnoxious shouting out requests and trying to sing along. Relax son, you're not Micheal Kutepow, it's already been done before. Lay off the hootch m'kay? We played a quick set and made our great escape. I actually wished we could've hung out for the other bands, but Penny's allergies were acting up. It took a real effort for him to even play in the first place, so it was time to bid adieu. Much laughter took place on the ride home where it was pretty much decided it was the worst show ever. No offense to our fans and friends, but sometimes you gotta call a spade a spade. Thanks at least for making an effort, but clean the cat box next time...please?? Much love.
King
Set list
1) Punk Rockers With Cell Phones
2) Ooh Wah Ooh Wah
3) I Don't Wanna Smile
4) Paranoid Together
5) Better Than Star Wars
6) Sorry So Psycho
7) Girls With Boyfriends
8) Radio Off
9) Not Gonna Miss You
10) I'm A Slug
11) Rocket To The Moon
12) Kelly
13) Neg Mofo
14) No Cranium
15) Like A Parasite (Screeching Weasel cover)
Hoo Boy, where to begin? The ambience was like no other. We've played house shows before, but this one took the cake. From how tiny overall the place was, to the hole in the bathroom floor covered conveniently by an Aunt Jemima's pancake mix box, to the odor from the overflowing cat box, it was unique I tell ya, unique! But beggers can't be choosers and since we lost the original venue in Blackwood one day before the show, I'm glad Bryan stepped up to the plate offering his humble abode. Guess I just should've cased the place first!
Yeah, it was organized chaos with me still having no idea what to expect when we pulled up. Sean from VB Boys had only called me the evening before asking us to play. I thought for sure Penny would say no, but the fucker said yes! It was then a question of what gear would be there. We've been asked to play house parties before and we certainly don't mind as long as there's gear for us there. All the better to make a quick escape from, especially with all the underage drinking going on. Yup kids, it's hip to be square. All I have is visions of the po-po showing up and since I'm usually the oldest one there, get fingered for providing the hootch even though I never do. We've had a couple close calls before, so my fear is not unfounded.
So yesterday morning after several goings back and forth on myspace, it was still undetermined who was bringing what and who exactly was playing. I just knew the VB Boy's drummer's kit would be there so I was all set. It was then set to meet up at the band shed at 3 and figure it out. Andy and Penny brought their amps anyway just in case. Penny was busy packing up new CD's of the 1st album we had printed up for the merch. I just grabbed my throne and sticks.
So we get there and go "nice, looks pretty big" only to be told it was not the house, but an apartment in the back. Clue number one should've been the pool filled with a black tar looking substance according to Andy with a chair thrown in for added measure. Clue 2 was the rickety stairs leading up that were already buckling under our massive girth. No way the amps would've made it up there. Clue 3 was the literal heap of garbage piled up outside the door. I know a few of you might be thinking "that's punk rock!". Um no, that's a mess! The kids remarked how they've been in better squat houses. But this is a show review, not tips on "Good Housekeeping" so let's continue.
We made our way in to be greeted by our old pal Freaky Frank and Chris both formerly of Xyile sitting and watching "The DaVinci Code" on DVD. Sean was already there along with Bryan and his gal. We got there promptly at 4, but Sean messed up with his start time as it wouldn't start 'till later. The kids immediately bolted for the safety of the van leaving Andy and I alone. I must say our hosts were gracious and offered me a ginger ale while Andy sipped on a baby hi-c drink. I then learned the VB Boy's drummer might not make it and even if he did, wasn't bringing his drums. So the only choice was Freaky Frank's drumkit, if you could call it that. Again, beggers can't be choosers, but I'm seriously thinking of organizing a fund raiser to help my fellow percussionist out. It was literally falling apart. The snare gave us the most trouble as we tried getting it into shape. No wing tom, so I just had a floor tom to go with. This actually came in handy as I learned I can play KC's drumkit from J3 now. The hi-hat stand was a story in itself. The kick pedal looked like it was hanging on for dear life, but it held up surprisingly well. The cymbals, and I use that term lightly, well, that's where most of the trouble lie. The "crash" reminded me of my old "ninja death star" hi-hats from the early days of the band. Where at every practice you took your own life in your hands because of the shards of flying hi-hat heading in every direction, hoping they'd avoid a major artery. I really think I would've been better using a pot cover instead of the "crash". The "ride" faired a little better, but not by much. It still had somewhat of a cymbal sound despite the cracks and holes.
By this point Matt & Judy along with the Quaren Teens had showed up, it was near 5:30, so it was time to start. Despite the odds against me, I thought I did pretty good on the kit. I still was laughing the whole time. Penny just leaned up against the refrigerator (yup, we were playing in the kitchen area) smoking ciggys nonstop and playing almost jazzy sounding runs on his bass. Andy braved on doing all the vocals himself. I did shout out a few a couple times that could be heard above the din. Sean was beyond obnoxious shouting out requests and trying to sing along. Relax son, you're not Micheal Kutepow, it's already been done before. Lay off the hootch m'kay? We played a quick set and made our great escape. I actually wished we could've hung out for the other bands, but Penny's allergies were acting up. It took a real effort for him to even play in the first place, so it was time to bid adieu. Much laughter took place on the ride home where it was pretty much decided it was the worst show ever. No offense to our fans and friends, but sometimes you gotta call a spade a spade. Thanks at least for making an effort, but clean the cat box next time...please?? Much love.
King
Set list
1) Punk Rockers With Cell Phones
2) Ooh Wah Ooh Wah
3) I Don't Wanna Smile
4) Paranoid Together
5) Better Than Star Wars
6) Sorry So Psycho
7) Girls With Boyfriends
8) Radio Off
9) Not Gonna Miss You
10) I'm A Slug
11) Rocket To The Moon
12) Kelly
13) Neg Mofo
14) No Cranium
15) Like A Parasite (Screeching Weasel cover)
uncleaned litter trays are not cool