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The Sign-Offs,
Abdullah, and The Standing 69s
Homeless Garden and Speaker/Cranker
The Sign-Offs,
Abdullah, and The Standing 69s
The Grog Shop
11-27-02
As most people probably know, the day before
Thanksgiving is the biggest bar night of the year, and the Grog was packed
accordingly. Those in attendance, whether there specifically to catch one
or more of the bands or just to throw back a few cold ones and enjoy
themselves, were treated to some first rate rocking. The Standing 69s got
things rolling with a set of 80’s style punk that recalled bands like Black
Flag and The Circle Jerks. Although not quite on the level of their
influences, the band’s brand of rowdy punk rock wasn’t a bad way to start
the night.
Stoner/doom rock band
Abdullah was up next, seeming
somewhat out of place sandwiched between two punk bands. The group stuck to
mostly uptempo selections from their recent ‘Graveyard Poetry’ album,
including the punk influenced “They, the Tyrants” which I don’t recall
hearing them play live before. Guitarist Aaron Dallison had some problems
with his amp towards the end of the set, but the band played on regardless.
The vocals could have been a bit higher in the mix, but overall not a bad
set, technical problems and all.
The Sign-Offs took the stage last, and the vast
majority of the crowd stuck around to watch, and drink a few more beers.
Although a tad commercial sounding, there’s no denying the band knows how to
put on a good show. Tight and energetic, the band tore through a set of
upbeat punk tunes that seemed to please most of those in attendance. I tend
to like my punk a little uglier and rougher around the edges, but personal
taste aside The Sign-Offs delivered what their fans wanted.
For pictures, click
here.
Homeless Garden and Speaker/Cranker
The Symposium
11-29-02
If you’re a fan of improvisational, experimental music
you really should have been at this show. This was my first time catching
both bands, and I’d gladly see either one of them again.
Speaker/Cranker
went on first, playing four instrumental pieces in the space of about an
hour. The band blends elements of Kraut rock like Neu, Can, Amon Duul 2,
etc. with ambient electronica and flat out rock for a sound that is both
heavy and trippy at the same time. Loose in a good way, the band members
clearly enjoyed themselves as they played off one another.
Homeless Garden is the latest incarnation of a
Cleveland institution, ex-Pere Ubu drummer Scott Krauss’ Home & Garden. I
never caught the old H&G, but a brief chat with the band’s guitarist
informed me that the new version is entirely its own thing. Although the
crowd had diminished somewhat by the time they went on, the band didn’t let
it affect their performance as they played a set of jazzy instrumental
rock. As with Speaker/Cranker’s set, most of what Homeless Garden played
seemed largely improvised, without falling into the trap of self indulgence.
There was a bit more of a new age/world music feel to HG, but they never
strayed too far from their rock foundations.
For pictures, click
here.
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