Thursday, May 02, 2013

Friends, Romans, countrymen

New Jersey rockers Titus Andronicus have been making waves on the indie punk rock scene for several years now, but I confess I haven't been blow away by what I've heard on record. They did, however, sound like a band who would be much more impressive live - and so it proved to be! They're on tour now with Brooklyn pals The So So Glos, and made a stop at Mavericks Wednesday night.

Finderskeepers took the stage early (it was an early show, to accommodate the sleeping needs of "government punks"). The last (and first) time I saw them perform was at the first Ottawa Explosion, almost two years ago. I can't recall if they were quite so blurty.

Finders Keepers at Mavericks
Finderskeepers at Mavericks, May 1, 2013

Jon hits! They covered Dag Nasty's Under Your Influence.

Finders Keepers at Mavericks
Finderskeepers at Mavericks, May 1, 2013

The So So Glos had a bit of road trip trouble and unfortunately had to truncate their set (they also shaved off a minute or two having it out with a heckler who yelled "Shut up and play!" at them). They put on a great set though, aided by longtime band pal and producer Adam Reich of Titus Andronicus.

So So Glos at Mavericks
The So So Glos at Mavericks, May 1, 2013

And on our right ....

So So Glos at Mavericks
The So So Glos at Mavericks, May 1, 2013

As for Titus Andronicus, they like their rock both brainy and brawny (they made me think of The Hold Steady a bit in that regard), with much personal reflection. They started things off with more of an indie rock feel, then moved on to some more hardcore stylings that really had the crowd moshing.

Titus Andronicus at Mavericks
Titus Andronicus at Mavericks, May 1, 2013

Eric sings! He got up front to play guitar and sing lead on The Dog later on.

Titus Andronicus at Mavericks
Titus Andronicus at Mavericks, May 1, 2013

They had some fun with covers, starting with Neil Young's Powderfinger (Young must be the artist I've heard covered the most live); they finished the show by having some of The So So Glos back onstage for a version of Joan Jett's I Love Rock'N'Roll, which merged into The Beastie Boys' No Sleep till Brooklyn, and ended up with Billy Bragg's To Have And Have Not.

Titus Andronicus at Mavericks
Titus Andronicus at Mavericks, May 1, 2013

They play Toronto tonight.

No comments: