Luckily I found a friend in Slo who also shares a fondness for the music from these guys. They are as my friend coined it recently a "modern day Smashing Pumpkins". They've got a alternative beat and being signed by an independent record label Dangerbird they are able to keep their distinctive beat without pulling a sellout ala Yellowcard, Linkin Park, etc.
So you walk into the Williamsburg Waterfront after getting off the L at Bedford and you're confronted with this:
Absolutely gorgeous view of Manhattan - fortunately it wasn't super boiling out so it made for a fantastic venue. Add to it some fresh from the keg Brooklyn Lager Summer Ale and it was a recipe for a good night:
Brooklyn Lager has evolved to becoming my favorite beer of choice. There is something crisp and refreshing about it. I used to be a Sam Adams dude, but after living in New York for so long I have to stick to my guns and represent Manhattan.
Against Me! was opening for SSPU. Most of you will remember their hit "Thrash Unreal" that hit the radio waves. A great rocking band, was bummed that they didn't play "Stop!" for that was my favorite track on that album. Quite hilarious that a small little mosh pit formed to me and Slo's right during the concert, but for the most part it consisted of hipsters singing and dancing in a circle rather than causing bodily mayhem.
How far the once mighty have fallen. Remember Matt Pinfield? The once MTV VJ now Radio DJ was hanging out at the concert, and everybody was thrilled to see him - sarcasm.
The main event! Shame I couldn't take any pictures of SSPU playing when the sun set and the lights came out. My blackberry's camera isn't quite suited for that kind of picture taking. But no matter, the sound that these guys were producing were absolutely amazing. These guys can truly rock the mic and woo the crowd - from the head bobbing "Future Foe Scenarios" to the intimate and personal "Catch and Release", these guys played material from Pitkul to Carnavas to their newest LP Swoon. Of course one concert was not complete without playing "Lazy Eye", but my biggest surprise was when they busted the old track "Kissing Families". With the charttoppers "Panic Switch" and "Royal We" fit in SSPU's tracklist for the night was truly amazing - and Brian Aubert's ability to dictate the rhythm of the concert was fantastic.As the sun set and the encore finished, I was truly blown away by these guys. If you have a chance to see them live definitely do so. If you have never heard of them I would recommend you give them a listen, especially if you're a fan of alternative music ala Smashing Pumpkins, Mute Math, Velvet Underground.
Add to that a delicious half-off hot dog from the Meat Hook and the concert experience was complete.
Oh but there was more, some schteins and bratwursts at Zum Schneider were in order. And as I left for home I can say for myself and Slo we left with full bellies and mind-blasted.
