Friday night I met Wife of 2 over at The Note to see Planes Mistaken for Stars play a show. It had been a couple years I think since I last saw them play so I was looking forward to seeing them again because the last two times I saw them they put on a great show. After downing a super-sized PBR (for only 2 bucks!), the first band was up on stage testing their equipment.
Viva La Foxx
Viva La Foxx
Viva La Foxx
Viva La Foxx
Viva La Foxx were the first band. They were a four piece band that featured two men and two ladies (bass and vocals). They were a sort of garagey rock and roll band. The singer danced around a lot while the band played their raunchy music. At one point I went to the bathroom and when I came out, she was on the floor dancing around. As I walked by her, she grabbed me by the shirt and started dancing on me. I can’t say it was at all unpleasant and it was pretty funny. They played about a half hour.
The North Atlantic
The North Atlantic
The North Atlantic
The North Atlantic
The North Atlantic were next. They were a mostly noisy post-punk band that reminded me of bands I would have gone to see regularly at Lounge Ax in the 1990s. I really liked about the first half of their set, but they started losing me when they played a couple longer and slower ones. One of their songs featured a keyboard and was pretty catchy. Overall I enjoyed their set for the most part and would definitely like to hear some more of their music, perhaps I’ll pick up one of their records.
Haymarket Riot
Haymarket Riot
Haymarket Riot
Haymarket Riot
Haymarket Riot followed and I was surprised to see a familiar face on stage setting up his drums. It turned out to be Brian W from Big’n. Some of you who have known me for a very long time may know that Big’n were friends of mine and that I started my record label by putting out two of their records way back around 1993. They played a rather hard edged indie rock that was mostly pleasing to my ears. Again they are a band I wouldn’t mind hearing more from again sometime.
Planes Mistaken for Stars
Planes Mistaken for Stars
Planes Mistaken for Stars
Planes Mistaken for Stars
Planes Mistaken for Stars finally took the stage and much as I suspected, they kicked a whole lot of ass. They have such a powerful energy live that doesn’t come across as well on their records, even though I enjoy their records. They played some new songs and a few older ones and barely stopped for air in between. Their one guitar player even has a clear guitar like Greg Ginn used to have. I liked every single song they played and when they finished some people were chanting they wanted more.
Planes Mistaken for Stars
Planes Mistaken for Stars
Planes Mistaken for Stars
Overall it was a fun night out with a pretty solid lineup of bands. Sadly the club hardly had any lights so I had to use the flash but the sound in there was really good. Thanks to Brian at MPShows for comping me so I could come out to take pictures of the show.
