Webster Hall : New York, New York.
Alright so earlier this month I had a chance to catch the Eagles of Death Metal in New York. As cool as Eagles of Death Metal are I was more interested in hearing the new sounds of the New York based Rival Schools, who released their debut record 'united by fate' in summer of 2001 ... and nothing afterwards.
I show up late and a tad bit drunk. They had PBR's on special in a small side bar at the venue and, well what can I say I was homesick and figured what better way to feel like I'm in steal town than shot gunning cheap beers and seeing a metal show ... well sort of metal show.
Rival Schools (the band not the video game) took to the stage and sold it - just like they did eight years ago. Not missing a beat or lick. The back-story of Rival Schools, for those who don't know, are that they are what some might label as a post-emo band, when in reality they are more of a folk pop group. Nevertheless, a bizarre choice to be opening for Eagles of Death Metal. Although they're grassroots are in metal, including the ex-drummer of screamo legends GlassJaw, but their music is somewhat softer than all that but still awesome. Check them out and brush up because by the sounds of it the new record, set for release this fall, should be quite similar and (hopefully) well worth the wait. Despite the fact that most records can't bridge a gap of that distance, the sounds in the air that night said otherwise ... or maybe it was the shot gunning. Anyways, check them out both now and then, pay close attention to the track from 'united by fate' called 'big waves'.
Then crowd moves in close and tight and suddenly I find myself alone, drunk, lost in New York and surrounded by the moustache wearing, truck driving, slum living guys and gals (yeah, gals with moustaches, no kidding). This was redneck metal at it's finest ... or so I thought. As awesome and elaborate these cats are on stage, there is one thing that just killed it for me - their mothers. YES! Their mothers were at the show. Their wives were at the show. Their kids were at the show. And the biggest mother lover of them all was singer Jesse "Boots Electric" Huges.
Despite having an awesome nickname, this cat would constantly blow kisses and holler at his ma. His son, who must have been about 8-years-old or something, would run out on stage and whisper things to his old man. He even went as far as to do a duet with his wife. Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for family values, but there are a few limited rock and roll rules that should be followed at a show; a) you shouldn't talk about pounding ladies with your mother/wife there; b) you shouldn't have your mother/wife there; c) you should only be blowing kisses to strippers and whores. But despite all those minor interruptions, the show was intense. They definitely know how to get the crowd rowdy and strike up a dance party/throw down better than Master T on Electric Circus. So when they come through your hood, steal yourself a bottle of Jack, a pack of Marlboros and grab your shit kicking boots then get down on it ... and just hope your parents aren't there ... or theirs either for that matter.
For more insight check out:
Rival Schools >>
http://www.myspace.com/rivalschoolsunitedbyfate
Eagles of Death Metal >>
http://www.myspace.com/eaglesofdeathmetal
