Wall of Mouths

Hi guys - this is my first post.

And also, this is only the second time I have seen T? live. I work in performing arts myself (theatre/dance/rocknroll/whatever) so I rarely get to go to see shows or gigs. Sadly…

Saw them at The Astoria on the Suicide Pact tour. I’ve been a fan since I first heard Potato Junkie all those years ago, and I was dead excited about seeing them. I think Clutch supported, and they didn’t move me. And then though i enjoyed that gig, it felt flat - a thin, reluctant audience. Andy with long hair and an Elvis t-shirt, Michael with leather wristbands, everybody throwing metal shapes and going “Whoo!” a lot. They seemed tired and uninspired, and not the band that I had expected to see. Still loved it though…

And then they released Shameless…

Roll on several years, and they have just released one of their finest albums (not a shit song on it, fantastically produced, and all that anger back again, seething and raging). I can’t tell you how excited I was to be going to see them (especially as life is a bit stressful at the moment). I’d seen Shellac at the Scala on Monday, and loved them as ever, but they don’t touch my heart or speak to me in the same way as T? do (or Big Black did).

I thought it was a fantastic gig - no comparison to the previous one. They felt like a different band - refreshed, excited, energised. Happy. The songs and set-list were great, the playing was tight, and it was REALLY LOUD. The crowd were much more into it, though there was some ebb and flow (I thought everyone relaxed a bit during Rise Up which surprised me - but maybe it was a bit much by then). And I was surprised by the length. I really expected a much shorter gig so was pleasantly surprised.
And yes, Neil is ace - how hard was he working? Good man…

Also, on the Winnebago Deal front - I’d read a lot about them and was keen to see them. I thought they were fucking great. How much noise can 2 men make????!!! Great riffs, very feral. Loved it.
You might also be interested to know that Nick Oliveri has got them to reform Mondo Generator with him. Winnebago Generator indeed. Looking forward to that a lot.

Thanks for reading my essay - I really wanted to share my experience with you guys. I know that T? have struggled the last few years but I see a real return to form here. I just hope that the public can see beyond the likes Good Charlotte and Sum 41, and keep one of our finest bands doing what they do for many years to come. It’s hard to keep a band going for 15 years, especially when you aren’t a huge name. Andy and Michael deserve a lot of respect for that commitment.

More power to them. Long may they reign.