Café DuNord January 14, 2005 Review by Jake Thomas It was a goodly night of the rock music at Café du Nord, the bands were in fine form. First on the bill was local rippers The Ex-Boyfriends, who’s gruff brand of punk/pop always brings to mind the Archers of Loaf, Jawbreaker, etc. They are like a throw-back to the glory days of that sort of music, but without sounding dated at all. Given that a couple of the members are gay, there was much humorous banter between songs that leaned toward the homosexual side, and had the crowd laughing quite a bit. A funny, gay rock band that plays music that I like? Sounds like a recipe for success. The Thermals were the big headliners, and had come down from Portland to play for the kids. And by “the kids”, I seriously mean the kids – this was all ages and apparently they are popular among the younger lot, cause the place was sold out and littered with (what I would guess were) high schoolers. Every time I saw a cute girl I felt like a perv for looking at her, since she was probably under age and I don’t wanna go door-to-door telling my neighbors I’m a pederast like Jesus in “The Big Lebowski”. Anyways, where was I? Oh yeah, so The Thermals…they were great as per usual. I’m still the only person I know who really thinks they sound like a punk rock version of the Mountain Goats, but seriously, that’s what they sound like to me and now I can’t think of anything else when I hear them. Lots of songs from both of their albums were played, which I guess is a given considering how short their songs are. Everyone seemed real into it which was a nice change from the last time I saw them opening for Mates of State…those kids looked like someone had just peed in their designer “looks like it’s from a thrift store” handbags. For a band from so near to our fair city, I sure wish they’d make it down here more often, because it’s always a great show. --- Read our previous Thermals review: October 9, 2003 @ Bottom of the Hill Read our previous Ex-Boyfriends review: September 24, 2004 @ Thee Parkside ©2005 playinginfog.com |