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indie-snob>+!#
Q & not u @ the fireside (6-5-03)
With the fued, french toast, red-eyed legends |
Washington DC has always been the capitol for post-punk. From the early days of Dischord, bands like Fugazi challenged the city's punks to hear some real talent and still get that dictionary definition of punk rock. Dischord continues its tradition with the latest, most popular addition to the line-up: Q & Not U. The band's more mild approach to music than other Dischord artists really makes them stand out against the crowd. The only non-DC band, the Fued, opened first. I have to admit, I was very, very impressed. A bunch of pseudo-NYC hipsters, the band played what I would classify as instrumental post-punk. The only vocals at all were the initial screams by the band to introduce the opener about the band's friend Steve, exclaiming: "STEVE! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME WHEN YOU KNOW HOW IT MAKES ME FEEL? / OUCH STEVE THAT LOOKS LIKE IT REALLY HURTS!!" It was slightly humorous. It really was a great performance because they kept things surprisingly original and fresh, unlike what most largely instrumental bands could do. A really unique band I suggest you check out. First in the line of three DC bands was French Toast. Consisting of drums and guitar or keyboard (one or the other), the band had a refreshing electronic-esque sound. Just a touch of synth and the amazing drum triggers and pre-programmed beats, they had a really nice, complex sound with almost emo-sounding lyrics and vocals (think Ben Gibbard emo, not Chris Carrabba emo). Fairly interesting to watch and pleasant to listen to, it was a good combination, I suppose. Also worth checking out. Hmm. The Red Eyed Legends played next, and I must say that I was very very unimpressed. I'm not sure they actually had any real talent. Basically playing that traditional, uninteresting "punk rock," they went on... and on... and on... each song sounding the same. The lyrics were trite and inane when you could actually make out the words. Most of the time, they were mumbled outside the range of the mics. The bass playing was sloppy and the guitars very simple. I guess there were some keyboards, but you couldn't hear them. Definitely not worth your time... unless you like mumbled, cliched hardcore. Q & Not U put on a fantastic, interesting show. From the very beginning, the band played all sorts of wacky instruments, from those keyboards on a strap to mouth pianos. I was surprised to hear that the set was entirely off Different Damage. I realize it is their most popular records (and their best for that matter), but I guess one would expect that a band wouldn't stick entirely to their new album. It was a good set though and they played their best songs off the album, anyway. (Or was it all of the songs?) Q's sense of melodic yet spastic post-punk really shined through. I honestly believe that they are one of the most original bands out there right now, and that we should all be thankful for that. A worthy live show, a worthy band, a worthy political message handed out at the show too. (They even snuck "No War" into their t-shirts). Check 'em out... especially if you're one of those who missed them on their last tour because of the drummer's broken foot. |