This might be the first time I have ever bought a ticket to a concert solely to see an opening act. But when that opening act is The Pink Spiders and it’s your first time ever seeing them, then it’s worth it!
I know it’s hard to believe a band I’ve been listening to for almost twenty years has never once been seen live by me, but here we are. Several months ago the Youtube algorithm knew I liked The Pink Spiders and presented me with a new song of theirs. From there, the band’s website told me they were on tour, and with a ticket price that affordable I knew I was in! But since they were one of two openers, I knew I needed to get there a little early to make sure I caught their whole, criminally brief, set. Apparently I underestimated the fandom that belongs to Less Than Jake. The place was pretty well packed by the time I got there, but somehow I snagged a elevated spot off to the side and was able to see The Pink Spiders perform with no blockage or having to stand on my tip-toes.
As I said, the set itself was brief, with maybe seven songs total, but they made the most of it, and I think they earned the respect of the crowd in the meantime. Of course, a larger portion of the crowd caught on to who they were once they got into their mega hit, “Little Razorblade.” I was pumped to hear that, as I wasn’t sure if they’d be sick of it this far in their career, but I was even more excited to hear “Modern Swinger!” Although I wasn’t too surprised, I was happy to hear a few tracks off the new record make the cut in their short set, but obviously “Gold Confetti” and “Devotion” were the catchiest of the bunch. In a foolish attempt to get close near the end of the show, I couldn’t see much for the last bit and sadly I didn’t find any of the members milling about after the show, but I sincerely hope this isn’t the last time I see them!
As far as the rest of the show goes, I stuck around because I bought the ticket, but I wasn’t too impressed. Have I heard of Voodoo Glow Skulls and Less Than Jake. Sure. But only by name, and as their sets forged on, I understood why. It’s just not a sound that connects with me. I think it’s cool that both bands incorporate some brass into all of their tunes, and it was clear they were having a blast with the crowd, but none of it sounded good to me. Like at all. Oh well, I guess I can’t like everyone. For those that like Voodoo Glow Skulls though, they capitalized on every single minute of their set time, and Less Than Jake ripped through all of Hello Rockview and then topped off the evening with some more of their hits.