I ventured up to the Sunset Tavern last night around 10:15pm on a tip that the band headlining from Minneapolis was going to be amazing and it was a not miss situation. I was surprised by the smallish crowd at the Sunset Tavern, because of the things I've heard about Tuesday's headliner, and I was completely taken off guard and impressed by local opening band Loving Thunder, they blew my mind. I missed Weirdlords, I'll see them next time. Loving Thunder are a two piece reminiscent of Big Business with the band only consisting of drummer Sterling Callier and bass player Colin Roper. They absolutely brought the thunder as they ripped through their brand of heavy stoner rock. Colin’s bass playing was a revelation, and together they created a massive sound almost too big for the tiny Sunset. These guys are definitely influenced by bands such as Hawkwind and Rush, if you like that sort of wizard rock check them out this Friday at the Comet.
The band that came next who I originally came to see, played one of the best 30 minutes of live music I think I have ever seen. The Blind Shake from Minneapolis absolutely brought everything they had. They are a post-punk machine, and just plain rocked to put it lightly. The Blind Shake are fronted by athletic and energetic guitarist Jim Blaha who squirmed and karate kicked his way all over the stage, the band also includes Jim’s brother baritone guitar player Mike and Drummer Dave Roper who created the massive backend behind Jim’s effect laden riffage. The best part was drummer Dave had his drum stool set up probably as far as it goes to get that extra force downward while pounding out the tight punk gems that brought to mind bands like Fugazi and Drive Like Jehu. Some songs he even stood up in order to hit the drums are hard as he could. He was a sight to see, I mean if you are going to play drums hit them as hard as you can just like Dave Roper does. It was a quick set but a perfect blast of awesome punk rock for a Tuesday night. This band is one of the many bands that deserve way more attention than they have received, and you can get acquainted with both bands on their MySpace accounts.
This show was an amazing beginning to my ridiculous 5-day concert bender. Wednesday I’ll be at Neumos for Sunn O))) and The Accused, Thursday I’ll be at Neumos again for the second night of “Sunn O)))fest” with Earth and Pelican, Friday I’ll be at The Crocodile for Seaweed, The Whore Moans, and The Redwood Plan, and Saturday I’ll be at the first half of the KEXP BBQ at the Mural Amphitheater before heading to my buddies wedding. If you see me at these places say hay. Cheers!-SRG
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