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Bottom of the Hill January 8, 2003 Review by Jake Thomas This was my first time seeing local band Caesura. I got there after they had already started, but still managed to catch a few songs. I had heard a couple of recorded tracks here and there, and just thought it was ok. I dug it more live though, sort of had a controlled chaos type of thing going - lots of noise, elements of jazz and rock music, screamy vocals and the such. I enjoyed it, but didn't feel like I got to hear enough to make an accurate assessment. They're playing the Playing in Fog Show in February with The Mass (who are great) at the Hemlock, so I'll get to see more of them there. 31 Knots, from Portland, were next. I've seen them before and enjoyed their show, and this time was no different. Didn't get my panties into a bunch or anything, but it was good. Proggy, clean sounding math rock. Reminds me of 90 Day Men minus the organ sometimes, a band that I'm particularly fond of. My only complaint is that I sometimes space out when the music gets too proggy, as I've never been a particularly big fan of that type of music. But I suppose that's my problem, not theirs, right? I don't know if I would ever go to a show that they are headlining, but I would always get there early if they are opening up for someone I'm interested in. The final band was Check Engine, who were the main reason I came. I love Sweep the Leg Johnny and this is a side project of at least one of the guys (the vocalist/saxophonist), maybe more but I'm not positive. They were great. Their sound is similar to Sweep, but mellower. Maybe a mix between Sweep and garage? I dunno, it doesn't sound like garage but it does a have a little boogie woogie to it. Other great aspects of the show included: lots of spitting from every member of the band, a lot of comical arguing, one of the guitarists looked like the Danny Noonan character from Caddyshack, and the drummer took off his pants and had the fly to his boxer shorts duct taped shut. And most importantly, on not just one but two occasions they played parts of Led Zeppelin songs, a classy move in all respects. Take note young bands - if you want to make it big and impress people, play Led Zep covers. --- Read our previous Caesura reviews: June 14, 2001 @ The Eagle - Mission Creek Festival April 29, 2001 @ Bottom of the Hill - translation.music ©2003 playinginfog.com |