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Best show ever. Seriously. I’m not really one who has the experience to say this (I’ve probably been to around a dozen or so shows, darn this darn location and my increasing laziness), but it still holds. Having been a fan of Strike Anywhere for a while, I was looking forward to seeing them to live, to say the least. I’d read reviews of their shows here and when I knew I would finally be attending one, you can just imagine my reaction. Hehehe!!!!!

One thing about the venue (Tribeca Rock Club); it was pretty small. Actually, intimate seems like a more fitting word. It was nice though, there were enough people in attendance so it wasn’t overcrowded but nicely attended. Nice. It was nice.

The first opener, Majority Rule, didn’t really strike me in any special way [see that, that's foreshadowing because the previous sentence mentions "strike" and Strike Anywhere would be playing later in the night. I do that kinda thing all the time]. The trio played brutal hardcore, with unintelligible screaming and an overall sloppy sound. That, however, could have been due to the actual sound at the show. I think the sound guy hadn’t perfected the sound yet with Majority Rule, because the bass seemed to reign over everything else. You know the bass is too loud when you can feel your colon quake. And it hurts. Both the guitarist and bassist screamed vocals, but it was the kind of screaming that sounds like you’re in pain, rather than screaming as an affect. Pretend that a “boner” is an actual bone, and then you compound fracture it. That’s what Majority Rule sounded like. I did enjoy, though, witnessing all the hardcore dancing. All of the one person dancing.

Next up was The Exit, who I couldn’t help but compare to The Police. The singer/bassist played Police-esque riffs, reminiscent of “Message in a Bottle” or “Walking on the Moon.” He also randomly yelped like Sting used to do, which added to the comparison. The Police own, though, so I thought The Exit was pretty good. The guitarist played with some reverb/echo effect on the whole time, which sounded pretty cool in my opinion. They had an energetic set and got the crowd involved, which is vital to a good show. I probably should have picked up their album at the show, but I’ll get it in due time. The Exit rockedc0re and set the stage for what was to come.

From the opening chord to “You’re Fired,” I knew I was in for a good time. No, not just a good time, a GREAT time! L-O-L!!!!!! The entire venue exploded when Strike Anywhere hit the stage, and no one ceased to flip out or rock out until the show was over. During the forty five minutes or so that their set lasted, fists flew in the air, sweat flew off bodies, people flew off the stage, and I myself flew off Earth and onto Cloud Nine!! This was one of the best shows I’ve ever been to; I’d say it’s legitimately in my top 3. The band played with ferocity and intensity, and I think the fact that the singer has massive dreads added to the overall zaniness. There’s not much else I can say, as it is truly something you have to witness yourself. They played a new song which sounded awesome and said the new album will be out September 30th, to which I say “fuck yeah.” You can’t forget, though, that they are a political band, and they often spoke of the issues present in a song before they started playing it. The singer also turned the mic to the crowd and asked if anyone had special announcements to make, regarding protests, rallies, or the like, which I think is admirable and mandatory in times like these.

Plainly put, this show kicked my ass. I’ll admit the first third wasn’t too inspiring, but that was made up for later on. You know a show was worth it when you come out of the venue feeling nauseous, lightheaded, soaked from your sweat and the sweat of others, and euphoric. Yeah, I think that pretty much covers it. I’ll be seeing Strike Anywhere again on May 31st at “Friendly Fest 3” in Wallingford, CT and after experiencing this, I just cannot wait any longer! Heheheh!!!

Strike Anywhere’s set list:
You’re Fired
Timebomb Generation
Sunset on 32nd
Earthbound
New song (something like “Some Day We’ll Never Know,” not too sure on that one)
Chalkline
Chorus of One
SST
Riot of Words
Three on a Match
Refusal
Laughter in a Police State
Cassandratic Equation



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    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, April 7, 2003 at 4:43 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    everyone should come to buffalo at least once for the wings (the festival kicks ass mmmm anchor bar) and the andersons roast beef on weck. Its not a coincidence that people here are so overweight. Quite a good show too!

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, April 3, 2003 at 10:03 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    one of the dudes from the exit was in the vigilantes.. i dont know if the others did time in a ska band or not...

    Posted by sickboi on 2003-04-03 15:56:03
    My Score:

    This score is for the waste of sperm and carbon below.

    Posted by unconcerned on 2003-04-03 14:08:13
    My Score:

    Horrible bands...

    The guys hair made me love him more... what the gay says you???

    White people shouldn't have dreds... simple enough right??

    This score is for the bands, the idiot reviewer, and for all the kids who didn't burn up great white style at this show...

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, April 3, 2003 at 12:01 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    sickboi,

    Yes there is and yes its worth going to. Its the easiest way to gain 10 pounds in three hours. I guarantee it.

    tuffalowhat,
    -feedmynightmare

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 2, 2003 at 12:56 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    can anyone confirm something for me. I think the Exit are guys who used to be in an awful ska band around 98-ish called the Loose Nuts. They played all around the NY/Nj area. I read a quick Exit background article, and it seemed to overlook that fact, if I am correct and it's true. Thanks in advance.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 2, 2003 at 9:46 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    OK dude, if your from Buffalo, let me ask you something...do they really have a Buffalo Wing festival there? If so, is it worth going to?

    -sickboi

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 2, 2003 at 9:11 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    Oh no , not a whole hour! I would give anything to be able to to live an hour away from amazing shows that NYC gets. Buffalo aint half bad, but it is Buffalo, the most depressed city in the US.

    todayisasmogday,
    -feedmynightmare

    Posted by sk8punx4evr on 2003-04-01 20:14:37
    My Score:

    i live in fairfield county, ct which is like an hour from the city. im just too lazy to drive or take a train.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 1, 2003 at 8:12 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Did you say that you don't get to see many shows because of your location yet this show was in NYC? Man, if this is the case you're really not looking hard enough.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 1, 2003 at 7:27 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Hey I recently saw this show in London, Ontario. The Exit were great, and it was the first time seeing Strike Anywhere and they really suprised me. I wasn't really into the full length but the live show was wicked cool. Anyways, to the reviewer, you're a dork, because the singer for the exit is STING's SON!

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 1, 2003 at 7:08 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    every1 knows everything thats hardcore is labeled good until the second album is released

    Posted by sk8punx4evr on 2003-04-01 16:07:07
    My Score:

    i just couldnt really hear majority rule, the sound was all mishmashed. maybe if the sound was better i'd think otherwise. i did say they were brutal, ehh!!!!

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 1, 2003 at 4:05 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Majority Rule owns you. Incredible.

    Posted by lieutenant on 2003-04-01 15:25:59
    My Score:

    sickboi, send me a copy of your SA show with H2O's Go, and I will return you Rowan Atkinson's live standup routine, AS WELL as the Despair Factor Fan Club promosheet which comes with AFI's Sing the Sorrow. For real.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 1, 2003 at 1:29 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Well youre way off the mark on Majority Rule, they are real good hardcore. After that though, terrific review. I was dissapointed that Strike Anywhere didnt play "Notes On Pulling Down the Sky" as I feel that is their best song. It was funny that a good half of the crowd didnt even know that there was another release besides Change Is A Sound. Oh and special marks goes for them playing "Earthbound".

    forgetmenow,
    -feedmynightmare

    Posted by pope_schlomo on 2003-04-01 13:00:36
    My Score:

    the e-mail is ramo200@aol.com, talk to me. Hope you not rubbing it in cuz if u are.....you're doing a good job at it.

    Ramo

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 1, 2003 at 12:57 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    I filmed the show last night Ramo. Maybe I'll send you a copy out of pity.

    -sickboi

    Posted by pope_schlomo on 2003-04-01 12:40:39
    My Score:

    i'll say it again: GODAMNIT!!! I hate family problems and i hate missing strike anywhere for the 2nd time. i wish i had a time machine to back to January.

    Ramo
    (don't you dare bring it up sickboi)

    Posted by Melvyl on 2003-04-01 11:03:39
    My Score:

    great review. seriously, very good.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 1, 2003 at 10:07 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    Yeah, I just saw this last night, You're way fucking off about Majority Rule. Those kids slay. Kinda a hybrid of Planes Mistaken for Stars/Sonic Youth/Dillinger Escape Plan. Brutal.

    -sickboi

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 1, 2003 at 5:17 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    Majority Rule is easily one of the best bands to come out of DC in recent years. Give them another listen, you won't regret it.

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