4-11 Say Anything, Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band, Fake Problems, Front Bottoms @Mr. Smalls

Going into this show it had been forever and a day since I went to a pop punk show that had shit tons of people there. Mr. Smalls was sold out, that means a few thousand were in the house. We were running a bit late because we're no good at getting places on time. We missed the Front Bottoms and half of Fake Problems.

Front Bottoms - Didn't get there in time to see them.

Fake Problems - We missed half of their set. I enjoyed the songs we heard. But I thought the last time we saw them the singer didn't sing so much in that super high pitch as he did on this night. I also remember the singer being a bit more entertaining. I guess I just liked seeing them in a much much smaller venue. They were still good though.

Kevin Devine and the God Damn Band - This group was ok. Dude can sing well enough but it's all a little bit weak. Lots of whiney vocals and feelings involved. They didn't have any songs that I thought, damn that's a good fucking song. Nope, didn't happen. He's a good showman, but I wasn't all that into it.

Say Anything - Great set. They played most of the good songs and a few songs from the new cd. They were all good. I liked their energy, and especially the crowd response. Good stuff. I wish the Swellers or Set Your Goals or something was on the bill but oh well. "You were listening to my band in 2004 though you claim you were reared on the Stooges." I love the songs where he goes off on a 'spoken word' rant in songs.

Hi's - we had a good time.
Low's - it was fucking hot in there, it was fucking cold out there.

3-19 Shai Hulud, Path to Misery, Forbearance, We the Gathered, one more @the Hideout

Going into this show I was lukewarm. I like Shai Hulud, but not enough to know every song or find them moshable. I like Path to Misery, but since they are 500000x better live than on CD, I'm not mosh comfortable with their stuff either. And the other three bands I don't know much about at all. But we went anyway and I'm glad.

First band- I wish I knew the name of this group becasue they were on some clown shit. The music wasn't bad, then the Jesus speech came out. About 5 minutes of how Jesus died for us and we're all going to hell. It wasn't even a compelling Jesus speech, it was bad. And the dude's voice sounded like he was going to cry at any second. Why do Jesus freaks so often sound like that? Egh, poop band.

We the Gathered - From PA, they're pretty heavy, and pretty good. I'll give them a listen again sometime. Their last song was a banger for sure. A little heavier than Terror, but no Devil Driver. This was my first time hearing of them, but I guess these first two bands are touring with Hulud. So good for them.

Forbearance - This band is ok. I saw them once before at Garfield Artworks. They were better this time. On the fast side of things, but not so catchy that I had to dance. They are a decent band. Good filler.

Path to Misery - This band is pretty sweet. They only play once in a while and only in Pittsburgh it seems. They're heavy as shit and good as hell. The mosh is never brought the way it could or should be, I suspect it's because on any recording I've ever heard of theirs they are kind of bland. The extra percussion, I dig it every time. Smashing a drum with a metal pipe, I like that shit also. AJ's the best frontman in Pittsburgh.

Shai Hulud - The best sing along set I've ever seen from this band. Usually there is way more standing around. It's so hard to mosh to this band because their songs are so choppy. I don't get into it, but I'll always come out to check this group out. Played mostly old, but a few new.

Hi's - turnout, beer, everything was good pretty much
Low's - Nothing

3-10 Terror, Steel Nation, some band, Deathless, The Storm, Pittsburgh @the Hideout

Going into the weekend of this show I was stoked as hell. I was not disappointed. The Hideout is a great place for shows. Plenty of space. A nice bar separated from the show space. Decent sound. No bouncer dipshits. It was a nice spot all in all and I'm looking forward to the next show there (Shai Hulud). I do wish I'd have eaten something before going to this show. I was on an empty stomach and was hungry as shit. I quenched that with beer. Deathless - Good band. Strait forward hardcore. Beatdown shit at times. They covered a Drain This Blood song, which was the singer's old band. Good energy, bad guitar straps. I enjoyed the set and I'm sure they'll be playing out more in the future. It was their first show. The Storm - This band got on at the last minute, from Syracuse. I didn't like them all that much. They were like Deathless but a little more boring and generic. I'd see them again but they wouldn't be the band bringing me out to the show. other band - I really don't know who this other band was. Maybe Eternal Sleep? Either way, wasn't into it, probably because I was expecting to hear Steel Nation, but instead some shwoopy haired douchebag was on the mic. Steel Nation - Ripped the fucking fuck out of some shit. They played two new songs, which were very good. Each of the last few times I've seen Steel Nation they've been fire. I really really enjoyed this set. Terror - Slayed it. Got some video on my new Kodac Easyshare (thanks baby). KOTF, and Stick Tight are sick songs off the new album. They played some old shit too, but they didn't play Push It Away as I had hoped they would. Suicidal Tendencies cover was cool. The talk about babies he hates and sports teams was great. I enjoyed the fuck out of the entire shindig. Fuck expensive beer. Hi's - most of the bands, only one very brief fight, the mosh was on fire but very respectfull too, Ken and Filthy and company. Low's - the parking situation was whack, no food at the venue, $4 Yeungling bottles, Eric got our ass lost on the way kinda.

2-4 Sneaky Mike, RSK, Dazzletine, Ag Ag Lady, Melody Joy, Boyfindery, Powell, @Rex Theater

We were super excited to go to this show. Sneaky Mike was such a great surprise the first time around we had to go see him again. Now, the first time we were the only two people there, so we got a big laugh when we walked into the Rex at about 8:35 and we were the only people in there. Oh no, here we go again. Fortunately people showed up a little later and it was all grand from a turnout point of view. Supposedly some dub dj named King Moody was supposed to play, but I don't think that happened.

Melody Joy - She reminded us of Lady Gaga because of her crazy outfit and shitty songs. I enjoyed watching, but I really hate how some acts will sing their songs over a recording of the songs being sung. It's like way generic. However, I enjoyed watching this. Melody Joy was pretty hot.

Powell - She's a black lady that sung some pop type songs. She was ok. I really enjoyed the weird dancing. I didn't so much enjoy when she brought a bunch of ladies onto the stage and did some weird choreographed dance. She was ok. We skipped out right at the end to go smoke and drink.

Ag Ag Lady and Boyfindery - On the bill these two were listed separate, but I'm pretty sure they played together. They were the worst of the night. My dance music vocabulary isn't enough for me to categorize them, but it was kind of weird and without a strong beat. They were making stupid beats on the keyboard. Though, they were enjoying themselves which was good to see. The crowd evacuated pretty much.

R$K - This guy was probably the best of the night. He's a DJ who spun some heavy dub and maybe some breaks and house mixed in. I really enjoyed the dub parts, really did not enjoy the other parts. Either way, I'd like to go see this dude again and dance.

Sneaky Mike - I admit, I liked him better when we saw him as the only ones in the audience. It was absurd. But last night he brought the weirdness as well. Some things that happened that I hadn't seen before are a mass leap frog, and a communal taking off of shoes and rubbing feet together, and lots of hair/wrestling belts/shiny tights. I enjoyed it greatly and we got a free cd out of it.

Dazzletine - This band sucked. They're like a glam rock faux 80's band. We left after two songs.

All in all this show was good. I think about 100 people came out for it. We enjoyed ourselves.

Hi's - turnout, Sneaky Mike, R$K, being weird
Low's - not drunk enough/too drunk, it was fucking cold outside

1-22 Heartless, Complete Failure, Blood Red, Pray for Teeth, Pittsburgh @Mr. Roboto Project

Last night's show ended up being pretty cool despite the touring band who I really wanted to see cancelling. But word is that when Homewrecker's new cd comes out in March that they're going to come through then. Also adding to the decency, after the show we went to Primanti's. Luckily on Sundays they are open and serve food until midnight. I got a lamb gyro and halapeno poppers, both of which were amazing.

Turnout was great. I bet there were 80 people there. And it seemed like 75% of them stuck around until the end.

Pray for Teeth - Members of Old Accusers and Failure to Fall. This band was heavy, but took too long getting to the raw raw raw. They sounded like the Old Accusers a lot. But I think they need some more good songs before I can say that I really like them. But it was solid for a first show.

Blood Red - The singer opened the set talking about forgiving people for internet drama. Asking everyone to hold hands and repeat the stupid shit he was saying. It was a horrible start to the set, even though some people there looked like they enjoyed it. I didn't enjoy the set all that much either. The singer sounded like a cross between HR from Bad Brains and the singer from Since by Man. The music was on the faster side, which is good. But all in all I wasn't feeling most of the songs, and I also wasn't feeling the mosh call because the music wasn't good for moshing.

Complete Failure - I've seen this band a bunch of times. I always leave the set thinking about how fast the drummer is. He's fucking fast. And I'll always support this band's set because a few years ago at Sincerity Fest the drummer gave my car a jump when it had died in the parking lot. They're super heavy and head bangy at times. At other times they're very fast. I enjoy the set always.

Heartless - They were very entertaining as always. Very good as well. I've seen them a handfull of times and they didn't disappoint this time.

Hi's - Primanti's was bangin, good bands, innebriation

Low's - Homewrecker dropped

1-9 Rust Belt Lights, Maker, Still Rings True, Run Forever, Pittsburgh @Mr. Roboto Project

Felt in the mood for some pop punk tonight. Went to check out this show even though I didn't know any of the bands. I was hoping to see Run Forever, since I've missed them play tons of times. BUT that didn't work out because my girl wasn't feeling good so we left before they played. As a whole the show was ok but left much to be desired.

Still Rings True - A band on tour. They were the best band of the night. They reminded us of No Trigger and Bayside a little. Great energy. Good variations in the music. I'd go see this band again.

Maker - If the vocalists would have been any good this would have been the best band of the night. But the singer sucked hard. To watch him you'd think he was taxing his vocals to match the wigging out of his body. But no, he was nicely and quietly singing poorly while making it look like he was belting it out. The guy was a douchebag anyway. I'm pretty sure he dropped the N bomb at the end of his set. He went on a mini "fuck politics" rant. All in all he ruined the band. The backup vocalist wasn't any good either, but he didn't give anyone a good reason to hate him.

Rust Belt Lights - I liked this band. They're kind of like Hot Water Music or Small Brown Bike, but just a touch less agressive and raw. Good songs. They enjoyed playing it. I'd like to see them again.

Hi's - decent music, Spaks
Low's - illness, the cold

1-6 Downfall of Gaia, Old Accusers, Vestiges, HumanError, Pittsburgh @Kopecs

I hadn't been to a show in about a month, so it was good to get out even though I'd only ever heard the Old Accusers from the bands on the bill. As always Kopecs provided the desired experience. The show started way late, I think one of the locals, Egality, cancelled. But time wasn't an issue so all went well. Turnout was good, not great. I'd say around 40 people.

HumanError - Tough hardcore/metal. The band was good. The singer was intense. I could see getting into this band, even though they didn't do anything spectacularly.

Vestiges - They had some heavy stuff, but a lot of slow drawn out build up that never reached adequate climax. I enjoyed about half of their songs. Punk metal/weird metal is how I'd catagorize them. I was hoping they'd be better.

Downfall of Gaia - This band was very much like the last band except more slow less very heavy. I didn't enjoy them all that much.

Old Accusers - I've seen them many times now. They were good, the best band of the evening by far. Good intensity. What I expect from this band.

Hi's - good trouble free evening, Steak and Shake, fire, turnout
Low's - having to work in the morning