The world renowned Punks, T.S.O.L.(True Sounds Of Liberty), have come to Houston. They've mastered Punk in many forms: Political, Horror, and even a little bit of gothic and synth Punk. Top it off with an amazing opening bill, and you're in for a night of chaos!
Room 101 put on a stellar set of often Politically driven Punk. Convulsing, and shouting like a madman, the vocalist/guitarist is it's sole live member. The "band" consists of: pre-recorded Bass, and Drums, and a Projector showing just about anything you can think of. On top of some familiar songs a couple of great, new compositions were thrown into the mix.
Funboys ripped through an amazing Synth-Punk set. Much unlike last time I had seen them; some of them stripped down as low as their underwear. Making for an even more bizarre show, than the spectacle they already are. They managed to get the first mini pit of the night(population 2-3 people). They're haunting synth sound is enough to make any Screamers fan lose control of bodily functions. Enough said.
Shot Baker played a powerful Melodic Hardcore. Their songs featured much more intricate playing, and musical craftsmanship than the average Punk band. The frontman brought the songs into physical manifestation through his stage work, and his sheer, honest effort into belting out the lyrics with a passion that isn't often seen. They tore through after song for a little over half an hour before announcing T.S.O.L.'s imminent appearance
T.S.O.L. took the stage, and immediately launched into "World War III". Thus, the front of the stage just as quickly turned into an intense Slam dance, Pogo, and stage dive zone, only inhabited by those brave enough or dumb enough to enter(ie about everyone under 25). Everyone played dead on, tight, and fast which of course further fueled the hyper crowd. When the band wasn't causing something along the lines of a mini riot with their songs, they would engage the audience in their famous stage banter. They featured songs mostly from the "Dance With Me" era like: "I'm Tired Of Life", "Love Story", "80 Times", along with a few other slightly more obvious ones. The band was undoubtedly in prime form; what else can you really ask?
Some highlights in the set include: "Superficial Love", "Wash Away"(done without synthesizers), "Sodomy", "F*ck You, Tough Guy", "The Triangle"(which featured a nice drum solo from "Tiny"), "Die For Me"(which got to show off amazing Ron Emory's talents), and of course many more. A highlight unrelated to songs, is Jack Grisham recounting the story of what would become the inspiration for The Meatmen song "TSOL Are sissies"(you'll hear it soon. Be patient, my viewers), after noticing a couple people(including myself) in front shouting "Uncle Tesco says 'Hello!'". After an intense performance of over an hour, the band played the inevitable finale "Code Blue", which had the crowds going off the walls(probably literally, even). The band wished their fans good night, and subsequently headed for the merch booth to greet those remaining more personally.
Funboys ripped through an amazing Synth-Punk set. Much unlike last time I had seen them; some of them stripped down as low as their underwear. Making for an even more bizarre show, than the spectacle they already are. They managed to get the first mini pit of the night(population 2-3 people). They're haunting synth sound is enough to make any Screamers fan lose control of bodily functions. Enough said.
Shot Baker played a powerful Melodic Hardcore. Their songs featured much more intricate playing, and musical craftsmanship than the average Punk band. The frontman brought the songs into physical manifestation through his stage work, and his sheer, honest effort into belting out the lyrics with a passion that isn't often seen. They tore through after song for a little over half an hour before announcing T.S.O.L.'s imminent appearance
T.S.O.L. took the stage, and immediately launched into "World War III". Thus, the front of the stage just as quickly turned into an intense Slam dance, Pogo, and stage dive zone, only inhabited by those brave enough or dumb enough to enter(ie about everyone under 25). Everyone played dead on, tight, and fast which of course further fueled the hyper crowd. When the band wasn't causing something along the lines of a mini riot with their songs, they would engage the audience in their famous stage banter. They featured songs mostly from the "Dance With Me" era like: "I'm Tired Of Life", "Love Story", "80 Times", along with a few other slightly more obvious ones. The band was undoubtedly in prime form; what else can you really ask?
Some highlights in the set include: "Superficial Love", "Wash Away"(done without synthesizers), "Sodomy", "F*ck You, Tough Guy", "The Triangle"(which featured a nice drum solo from "Tiny"), "Die For Me"(which got to show off amazing Ron Emory's talents), and of course many more. A highlight unrelated to songs, is Jack Grisham recounting the story of what would become the inspiration for The Meatmen song "TSOL Are sissies"(you'll hear it soon. Be patient, my viewers), after noticing a couple people(including myself) in front shouting "Uncle Tesco says 'Hello!'". After an intense performance of over an hour, the band played the inevitable finale "Code Blue", which had the crowds going off the walls(probably literally, even). The band wished their fans good night, and subsequently headed for the merch booth to greet those remaining more personally.
The set list got re-arranged quite a bit in reality.
There's more coverage to come from this show. For now, enjoy the Pictures!
Also, a Special Thanks to Jack Grisham.
