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Real life update since I felt like I haven’t done one in a while…

Total concert love this past Sunday featuring The Darkness at First Avenue. 

Discovered a new modern-day 80’s band with openers Crown Jewel Defense. While researching this band, I wasn’t impressed with their publicity shots. However, seeing them live was an entirely different story. An abundance of scarves on the microphone and the lead singer wearing these pants (image not from Sunday’s show) equates to fun times. It appears they’re relatively new to the scene, judging by their extremely short set, lack of merchandise table, and their semi-difficult-to-find online store being the only place that carries their EP. Nevertheless, I hope to see these guys again in the future. 

Foxy Shazam. Still keepin’ it weird. Seriously, do yourself a favor and see these guys live. Energy exudes from every members’ pores. The very bottom left image features the lead singer after he demanded several cigarettes and lighters. He proceeded to light up several cigarettes, created a large haze of smoke, and then bit them all in half before launching into song. Their badass merch man (and hell of a seller) mentioned a planned headlining tour this April. However, dates were announced yesterday and no Minnesota venues are listed. Contemplating a roadtrip to Chicago or Omaha to catch them again.

The Darkness.  Good to have all original members back. And judging from the plethora of new songs at the show, the upcoming album is going to be great. The only other time they’ve visited Minnesota was nearly seven years ago (side note: that factoid just made me feel incredibly old). Their performance seven years ago was good but poor venue choice. Anyone who’s attended at Roy Wilkins Auditorium can concur the audio is shit. Plus, the band was still relatively new and didn’t fill occupancy. However, First Ave was a much more appropriate choice; as obvious by the sold out show. 

Brief notes:

Maybe I was reading too much into the group dynamics, but it appears lead singer Justin Hawkins is intentionally trying to include bassist Frankie Poullain more. Possibly due to Poullain being the first member to originally split from the band. 

Hawkins practically outright said the second album was “meh”. When addressing the audience he mentioned how the show will consist of a lot of the first album, quite a few new songs, but only a couple from the second because *iffy hand gesture*. Found that interesting. 

Yes, there were costume changes. 2 ½ to be exact. I say half because the last time he came out was in a new pair of pants and no shirt.

Sorry, the Hawkins facial hair is gross. And this is coming from a girl who typically loves at least scruff on a guy. 

Caught Justin Hawkins’ guitar pick. Straight shot to the chest, bounced off, caught it, and received a thumbs up from the singer. For all the shows I’ve been to in my life, that’s actually the first time that’s I’ve ever caught any of the band’s equipment. Not going to lie, fangirled briefly. 

Very entertaining show. This tour isn’t hitting up very many places but, if you get a chance, attend!

(Source: citypages.com)