Sadly, ungrunge obligations prevented me from seeing the first half of Saturday’s show and my geezer-like stamina meant that I couldn’t also go to Sunday’s show, but all the bands I did see tore it up. Lamestain salutes the Flotation Records crew for coaxing band reunions and organizing the two-day event, and hopefully they’ll do it again next year.
We arrived at the Croc just in time for Love Battery’s set, and they sounded better than ever. The band played all their hits and featured original members Ron and Kevin on guitars, Mike Musburger on drums, and a new guy whose name I can’t remember on bass. Their psychedelic light show also made me feel like I was trippin’ balls, which is a good way to start the evening. According to their Myspace page, they will be working on a new record this fall, so hopefully they will start playing regular shows again.
Coffin Break followed with a tight set and sounded like they never quit practicing. I am not too familiar with the band’s Epitaph records stuff, but I did recognize a bunch of their earlier songs like “Pop Fanatic” and “Kill the President.” Their set was pretty much split 50/50 between their pop songs and heavy songs and the crowd loved them. Look for an exclusive, sure-to-be interesting Lamestain Coffin Break feature in the next few months.
Next up was Swallow who played the classics and also some songs from their finally released 3rd record, which is out now on Flotation Records. According to those in the know, the band sounds better now then they did back in the day. They also split their set between almost-poppy garage and gnarly grunge songs, and rocked da house. Singer/guitarist Rod was also one of the Geezerfest organizers; so once again, we raise our pints and salute his hard work. Swallow have also been playing around town, so check them out, yo.
And then it was time for the triumphant return of Cat Butt. It was the Journey to the Center of Cat Butt line-up’s first show is something like 17 years, but outside of looking older and less grungy, the band sounded great. It looked like the band had a great time, and it was cool to see them back on stage. According to rumors, Journey to the Center will enjoy a lavish CD reissue sometime in 2008. We recommend that you check back on Lamestain at least 10 times a day in case there is any late-breaking news. We can also report that David Duet and Dean Gunderson are now down in Los Angeles and play in the band Hot for Chocolate.
Blood Circus was also selling a new Blood Circus CD compilation of unreleased demo and live songs. The cd songs came from various old cassette tapes, so recording information is slim, but the sound quality is great, and it’s cool to hear all the unreleased songs. They were also selling a fab new shirt and I would have bought one if I didn’t already spend all my dough on $5 beers at the bar. Hopefully the band will be selling these items online.
Go here for photos and here to buy Geezerfest posters and shirts, bubba.