I listened to Foxy Shazam’s new album in the nick of time! Just kidding, I couldn’t make that release date come any sooner. I’m just glad it came before I got to see the band live again for the first time since before their hiatus (that’s a long time!).
Strangely enough, this concert was held at the exact same venue I saw them at last time, the Grog Shop. I think the only difference this time around was that it was sold out! Good for them! Admittedly, it’s not a huge venue, but that fact that it wasn’t sold out last time and they haven’t become any more mainstream since then (excluding the track used in Peacemaker), is pretty damn impressive! They managed to fill every space in that building with fans and loud music. Seriously, there were so many people that lead singer, Eric Sean Nally, even mentioned how sweltering it was in there. And it’s the middle of winter!
From the second the band took the stage and launched into “Unstoppable,” I just saw so many people looking so happy and the band never let up on the excitement. I don’t think Nally ever stops moving or running around the stage. I’ve seen him rock some pretty interesting outfits, but last night he was donning a predominately yellow body suit that about half way through he said has been “hugging his nuts.” I was not close enough to confirm, but I’ll take his word for it. Aside from the customary eating of a whole cigarette, keyboardist Schulyer White seemed to be having an equally grand time. At one point he mounted his keyboard atop several hands in the crowd and proceeded to play for at least half the song.
Like I said, the energy was constantly high throughout the night, and part of the reason behind that was the setlist they chose to play. Sure, they’ve got a number of sentimental songs throughout their catalog, but they chose to keep it high energy, somewhat more nostalgic with songs like “Burn,” “NO. Don’t Shoot,” and “Yes! Yes! Yes!” making the cut. I was super pumped that “Holy Touch” made it onto the set, but was surprised that no songs from their album, Gonzo, made it on. Similarly, only two songs from the latest record made an appearance. Instead, they chose to focus on some of their older hits from The Flamingo Trigger and Introducing Foxy Shazam. Not that I’m complaining. I love that they have such a deep discography and joy playing these songs that every tour from them can be so different. I’m only hoping they’ll make their way back around sooner this time.
Overall, it was a great night with a great band and they sounded absolutely incredible. Again, if you’ve never listened to Foxy Shazam, well what are you waiting for?!