Thus far, 2010 has been a back-breaking year of raucous, throwdown rock shows -- but nothing has touched the sheer perfection that was Bad Religion's performance at Riot Fest Chicago.
If you've never heard of Riot Fest, here's the quick breakdown. Every year, some of the most prominent punk rock bands of all time, including active and inactive bands on the Chicago scene, come together for a five-day event where punk rock rules a huge chunk of the most important venues in the city. Riot Fest inhabits the Metro, Subterranean, Double Door, Cobra Lounge and the Exit, with all of the "main stage" bands playing the Congress Theater, one of my favorite venues in the city. The amps warm up, feedback rings unabashed and the punkers young and old come out of the woodwork to enjoy some of the genre's best old and new acts. This year, Friday's Congress Theater show was a solid lineup -- but only two of the four bands really delivered.
The reception the Bouncing Souls got from the usually accepting crowd was kind of depressing. I saw a couple of punkers flipping the bird and eventually leaving the showroom, which was a good way to sum up the crowd's lukewarm feelings. Of course, I didn't feel like the Souls did much to help their cause; a lot of the setlist was on the poppier side, and it feels like the band is losing a little edge with age.
The Circle Jerks met with adversity following a sound gaffe that really took the air out of the first few songs. Once they cranked up the volume, they sounded alright; they still had trouble winning me over. Maybe it's because the Circle Jerks are so far outside my generation, or maybe it's just because they're old and out of practice, but I just wasn't into it. And I'm a guy who likes his old school punk.
Regardless, the Lawrence Arms took the stage and blew the lid off the whole event. They seemed less drunk than usual and benefited greatly from the hometown audience. Playing some of the best songs in the arsenal, TLA riveted the crowd for the main event.
It was a knock-down, drag-out show. Bad Religion took the stage hard and fast and didn't stop until the lights went up. I couldn't imagine a bad set-list from the accomplished punkers, which is probably why they rolled easily through the entire show with nary a poor song. Frontman Greg Graffin's voice is always flawless live, and drummer Brooks Wackerman plays like he's on a track. The wall of guitar and bass, of course, helps to create a wall of sound that captivates and dominates the audience.
Honestly, it's hardly worth it for me anymore to review a Bad Religion show. They've got this performing thing down pat. Anyone else go to the show?
"Rain fell like judgment across my windowpane / said it felt like judgment but it was only rain."
- Bad Religion, "Only Rain"
Everyone around me seemed totally pumped for the Bouncing Souls, but I guess it's hard not to enjoy yourself in the front row. Riot Fest was totally epic. I even ended up with Brooks' drum stick after BR's set!
I think I actually prefered Saturday to Friday at Congress. And for being the first band, Have Nots totally rocked. They got a much better reception than X is for Eyes did on Friday.
Posted by: Julie | October 20, 2010 at 03:29 PM
Where I was in the crowd may have played into my perception of the crowd for the Souls. Good to hear at least some of the crowd was into it!
Because of a scheduling faux pas on my part, I missed the show on Saturday! How was Less Than Jake? What about the Swellers? They're old friends of mine.
Posted by: ibreathetheunderground | October 20, 2010 at 04:02 PM
Less Than Jake were awesome, duh! Their set was like an hour since they played all of Losing Streak, but I think they even went over that cause Pennywise had to cut 2 songs. That kinda pissed some people off, but whatever. They were top 3 for me from Riot Fest, but I'm a bit biased. Buddy literally handed me Justin's guitar pick that he found on stage from Anti-Flag's set.
The Swellers were pretty good. I don't know that much of their stuff, but I definitely enjoyed them! They had some technical difficulties though, and The Flatliners had to help 'em out.
Did you go to any other days? I really wanted to go to Metro on Thursday, but I had a freakishly bad midterm Friday so I had to skip. That made the other 2 nights at Congress even better though.
Posted by: Julie | October 21, 2010 at 01:48 PM
No, I wanted to go Thursday either to the Propagandhi show or to the Mexican Cheerleader show at Subterranean, but I couldn't make it.
I saw Pennywise at Warped this summer and, while they were good, I'd rather see them with Zoli when they have some new material. He was solid, but he was no Jim Lindbergh. I'd much rather see Zoli with Ignite.
Posted by: ibreathetheunderground | November 02, 2010 at 04:13 PM