11-26 Sticky, Highway 13, Lucid Music, Cultivator, Short Dark Strangers Remix, @Kopecs

I don't often get to go to shows on weekend nights, but I got out on this night. It was an interesting show because of all the unknowns. Most of the night's bands shared the same members.

The show ended up being free, no one collected money at the door. The drinks were cheap, so thats awesome. They had free rigatoni and bread. We may be adults now but we freaking love us some free food. Gorged myself on rigatoni and bread.

Highway 13 - A rockabilly trio who played about ten songs. They were good. I get the feeling the bass player isn't all that good, but he was good enough. They were entertaining and set a good mood to the night.

Sticky - Dana from Short Dark Stranger's new band. They were ok. The lyrics were meh, realy simple, and great at the same time. "I'm gonna get fucked up. Fuck you." But that kind of made it cool. The music was cool too, really early 1980's punk sound. Nothing complex. I'd like to see this band again as much as I don't care if I ever see this band again.

Cultivator - The best band of the night. Fast three piece punk rock, but not so fast and noisy that they border as a noise band. The vocals were real shoutyscreamy and they were extra good. The singer was entertaining. I'd like to see this band again.

Lucid Music - The only rap group on the bill, but they were freaking good as all hell. They remind me so much of the Jurassic 5. Good lyrics, great delivery, good dj'ing. I liked everything about it.

Short Dark Strangers Remix - Huge disappointment. Their new singer, the guitarist from Cultivator, sucks compared to Bob. Bob's dead. Suit jacket dude is whack. Short Dark Strangers with Bob singing were one of my favorite live bands ever, and I couldn't stomach this set without him. F it. We left early at my behest.

Hi's - bands, rap group was sick, cheap drinks, free show, free food
Mid's - weed dude, not sure if I like him or not, he sure was drunk as a f though
Low's - Short Dark Strangers stinking it up, let it die please.

11-20 From the Back of the Room: A Documentary About Women in Punk, Icon Gallery @Mr. Roboto Project

This evening was an interesting evening. First off this was my first time to the new Mr. Roboto Project location. I'm happy to see that it's larger than the old space, nicer than the old, and better in pretty much every way. The only con is that in front of where the band plays at is a wooden structural support. But that's a small problem. The bill for tonight was a screening of a new documentary about women in punk rock, and then a band played a set.

From the Back of the Room: A Documentary About Women in Punk - I was suprised at how many people turned out to see this film. Roboto was pretty much packed to the hilt. We got there right before they put the film on and we had to stand for most of it against the wall because all the seats and spots on the floor were taken. It ran about 90 minuites, which was about 30 minuites too long by my take. I thought they could have edited it better to have some of the audio interviews playing while showing a band's set to cut down on runtime. Also I think they could have cut down a few of the topics talked about because some points were rehashed a few times in different segments.
There were some things I liked very much about the film. I liked how they didn't bash men at all. The film didn't demean the presence of men in the underground. I also liked the perspectives on the Riot Girl movement, with a few of the women interviewed saying how they never got into Riot Girl bands because they weren't mean enough and were too normal or friendly. The film had a few laughs and a vast assortment of punker ladies interviewed. All in all I thought it was pretty well done and documented an important issue.

Icon Gallery - It was ironic how immediately following a film that gives big props to women in punk rock, 60% of the people in the house left and didn't stay in support of a punk band with a female singer. All the film nerds and hipster fucks bounced and didn't stick around for the band. Bullshit. Icon Gallery's singer is awesome, she sounds great on the mic. I enjoyed the short set very much. Though, to my dismay, I don't think I'll ever hear my favorite Icon Gallery song live. It's from the demo and they just don't play those songs, I don't think.

Hi's - turnout, the band, most of the film, Mr. Roboto Project in a great new location and very much improved
Low's - it was hot in there during the movie, having to stand

11-17 Russian Circles, Deafheaven, Instructions, Pittsburgh @Smiling Moose

I was suprised by how many people were there. The show started a little bit late, but the place was packed. The most people I've ever seen at a Smiling Moose show. I'm glad it drew the way it did. Pretty obviously everyone was there for Russian Circles and no one knew of the other bands.

Instructions - Two bass players, one drummer, thats it. They had some decent songs. The second to last song had a specifically sweet bassline. I kinda enjoyed the set.

Deafheaven - Death metal vocals, death metal music with a little bit of ambient rockish stuff mixed in. I enjoyed listening, but ultimately was disappointed. They were not as good as I had hoped they would be. Stage presence was practically nonexistand. They are one of the newest bands on Deathwish Records, and sometimes Deathwish backs some weird bands like this. So I'm not suprised by what they brought.

Russian Circles - Set was extra good. They don't have vocals, so they focus their energies on creating ambiance with their music. They brought the easy metal, but still ripped shit up. I don't know any song names or anything, but every song was good. I'll go see this band the next time they come through.

Hi's - turnout, Russian Circles, cheap beer, pizza before the show
Low's - the cold, Deafheaven disappointing