Punknews.org | Andrew W.K. / The Locust / No Motiv

Review Navigator

Features

Contests

Reviews

Andrew WK / The Locust / No Motiv

live in Philadelphia
2004
live show

Review by: benz
See others by this writer

Andrew's Extended Spring Break Tour (link)

Only registered users
can post comments

Published on June 1st 2004

I don't like to move at shows anymore. I'm not even 20 yet (the official starting age of scene laziness) and I would just rather sit down at most shows or stand somewhere off to the side. I'm one of those pretentious scenester guys that all the other kids hate, except for the other scenesters who admire my unmoving attention to the bands and my crossed arms. My shirts are tight and my bands are obscure and I hail "Kid A" as a work of genius. Andrew WK had different intentions for myself. It was his goal to get me to rock out at his show, and god damn, if he wasn't successful at that, then the bands I like don't name the titles of their songs after obscure inside jokes that aren't referenced in the songs themselves.

But before the man himself came out, there were the genre spanning opening acts. The show began right as I entered The Trocadero, to some painfully generic rock band called Fireball Minestry. It was a bunch of guys who were trying very hard to be "metal", but came off more like Nickelback. When they saw people in the crowd not feeling them, they said something along the lines of "Hey man, don't hate us because we don't write songs about girls not liking us, and romance and all that!". Well, quite frankly, they didn't really write songs at all -- just one that they rearranged several times. I don't like it when bands write all whiney girl songs as much as the next guy, but just because you don't write whiney girl songs doesn't make your songs good.

Next up was No Motiv, who had their equiptment ripped off the show before. I don't know the names of their songs, but I am familiar with some, and they played real well. It didn't seem like there was much of a No Motiv fan turnout, except for one girl proudly rocking out in the front row. They all definitely seemed like they enjoy what they do, especially for being around for a relatively long time for a band. Their set was comprised of some nice punk ditties (although not too punk, we don't want to enrage anyone in the comments section below). They are a decent amount heavier now than I last remember them. Plus they seem like real nice guys (the drummer even gave his sticks to the girl who had been rocking out). If you feel bad enough for them losing their equipment get their merchandise or stuff, it sucks when indie bands get their shit ripped off.

Next up was The Locust. I had heard one song by the Locust before the show, but I had no idea really how fucked up they would be. My friend just told me to get ready to be amazed. The four-piece came out dressed entirely in tight white body suits, with black bug eyes. By the mic-check I knew this band would be nuts. The guitarist moved like a robot up to the mike and let loose a high-pitched howl, "Chhheeeeck!". The more nasally bassist did the same and the keyboardist followed suit. Without saying anything they broke into a wild half minute of sound. I must say, these guys are incredibly insane. They are technical beyond belief and really don't have any sort of taste for a set time signature. I would call them music if you define music as a pattern of assorted sounds, anything beyond that is questionable. If you want to get a picture of what they sound like, think of the wildest and most spastic Blood Brothers moments, and then overlay four other separate Blood Brothers freakouts over it. My favorite part of the set was during the last song when the keyboardist just played five minutes of a grating, squealing sound and I turned around and looked at the audience. The entire theater was blankly staring at the band as if they were killing a bald eagle onstage -- it was beautiful. At some point during their set I heard someone say, "I don't get it, I just don't get it." But, if you do get it, then you understand the beauty that is the Locust, as I now do. Complete conversion to fan in one show. Hell, they are original after all.

Finally, it was time for Andrew WK. The band came out first and started rocking out and the crowd surged forth. I decided that I would stand aloof on the side, watching everyone else get their dance on. By the time Andrew came out, it seemed like he had been getting pumped backstage for an hour. He was out of control and wanted to make sure that everyone else was out of control as well. I stood there on the side still, watching everyone freak out. I was enjoying myself, watching the band perform their songs. Then it hit me -- literally. I looked to my left and a boy was in mid-air, flying towards me.....sideways. He hit me and I flew backwards into the other scenesters nodding their heads to the beat, looking indignant that they all got knocked over like bowling pins. I realized at this point, that an Andrew WK concert is not about standing around just listening to music. It's about freaking having a ball! As I watched some kid riding on another kid's back go screaming past me, I realized that it was my duty to jump into that crowd and have a blast. The crowd was actually coordinated enough to get a large circle pit going, which was fun to dance around in. Andrew WK himself is awesome. When he isn't singing, he does strange robot mimes to the beat of the song. I don't know what he is miming when he does it, but its great to watch. He's just feeling the music and doing what it tells him -- and that is to mime pushing a box across a table (?).

The set was heavy on material from "I Get Wet" and it was a blast. The last time I had that much fun at I show was back in the day when I was not yet "mature" enough to sit down and drink weirdly named coffees at shows. Shit was flying through the air, mainly people, and it was basically just a huge party. One thing that is definitely apparent is that Andrew WK is filled with love, like a teddy bear or something. He loves his fans with an incredible passion. He performed "I Love NYC" with the words "I love Philadelphia" instead. He just wants to show his love, and Andrew, that love is returned by all of us in Philly. He kept saying how appreciative he was of everything. He is definetly the most positive rock star in the business. You think he gave The Locust a huge group hug when they came off the stage? Because I do.

Login to rate this album

People who liked this also liked:

Please login or register to post comments.

What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?

Share your opinion by posting comments on the stories that interest you
Rate music and bands and help shape the weekly top ten
Let Punknews.org use your ratings to help you find bands and albums you might like
Customize features on the site to get the news the way you want.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, November 25, 2005 at 12:19 AM (EST)
My Score:

Hi guys, love your website, it's soo cool http://www.casino-los-angeles.com/doliyoli/casino-directory-2005. html

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 19, 2005 at 6:55 PM (EST)
My Score:

I disagree. The difference is not that they are more popular than other grind/noise bands, but that they are in most cases far superior. Popularity, in some cases, does indeed have to do with talent. I do agree however, that many metal/hardish bands try to pull off the tempo changes to no avail. Dillinger is one that pulls it off. Mmm, Dillinger with Patton. Cattle Decapitation as well. Three-One-G has a pretty sick line up these days. I respect the Locust infinitely for doing a split with Melt-Banana, who always will hold a special place my noise freak heart. Well, that's enough sentence fragments for today kiddies.

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 6, 2004 at 3:42 PM (EDT)
My Score:

I said No Motiv was "nice". They are pretty generic punk overall, but when compared to fireball ministry, they are actually good.

it's not because they are a different genre or whatever, Fireball Ministry does not make good music.

-benz

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, June 5, 2004 at 7:03 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Because most new Locust fans are totally fucking tame. I mean tempo changes are the only things that bind the bands together. Think of how many other hardcore/extreme metal bands do that...

The difference is that these guys are really popular.

-BSD

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, June 5, 2004 at 3:16 PM (EDT)
My Score:

I think it's hilarious that Fireball Ministry is "generic rock" but you somehow enjoyed No Motiv.

And why is it assumed by everyone that if yhou haven't heard the Locust yet, you MUST have at least heard the Blood Brothers? I saw The Locust a few times LONG before I ever heard of the Blood brothers - whom I just can't get into, despite how much everybody like to suck their dicks

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, June 4, 2004 at 1:18 AM (EDT)
My Score:

The locust suck.

Posted by slippy on 2004-06-03 22:15:03
My Score:

the locust is sweet, Kid A is sweet, and Andrew WK seems like one of the nicest men alive. I don't listen to him, so this is just what I've gathered.

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, June 3, 2004 at 9:38 PM (EDT)
My Score:

the locust are considered really cool mainly because they are absolutely insanely technical and can take the power of sound and condense it into something that is, well, catchy.

i also agree that these guys live blows their recorded act out of the water. it's insane.

-benz

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, June 3, 2004 at 8:39 PM (EDT)
My Score:

also, it seems the majority of the locust's fanbase is made up of indie kids these days.

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, June 3, 2004 at 8:38 PM (EDT)
My Score:

this is hilarious, not even a year ago everyone hated the locust, now everyone's a fan.

an albatross is not even close to being as good as the locust, quit trying to be scene. they're a locust knock off band as far as i'm concerned.

also, the crimson curse is awesome. justin pearson's best non-locust band.

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, June 3, 2004 at 6:40 PM (EDT)
My Score:

I always see the Locust if they come to town, but on a CD they just aren't the same.

Posted by BSD on 2004-06-03 16:44:33
My Score:

The Locust will appeal mostly to people who like noise rock, grind, and/or powerviolence. And they don't fit into any of those genres.

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, June 3, 2004 at 4:40 PM (EDT)
My Score:

but seriously now, does anyone REALLY like the Locust or just rock them to be cool? Some of their stuff sounds okay for about 2 seconds and then it falls to shit. The keyboard is the only good thing....well...the costumes are funny sometimes. But mostly just really vapid stuff.

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, June 3, 2004 at 4:30 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Crimson Curse or the Locust?

-BSD

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, June 3, 2004 at 6:45 AM (EDT)
My Score:

This score is for "Kid A"

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, June 2, 2004 at 11:33 PM (EDT)
My Score:

An Albatross > Locust

Posted by punkcorekid on 2004-06-02 22:55:20
My Score:

Not one "the Locusts suck" comment yet. I'm surprised. I like them, just haven't seen the enchantment of their live show yet. I've heard nothing but good things though...

Posted by FortyMinutesWest on 2004-06-02 15:44:57
My Score:

If you like the Locust, check out An Albatross.

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, June 2, 2004 at 2:29 PM (EDT)
My Score:

If there's one band more insane than the locust it would have to be DEP.

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, June 2, 2004 at 12:20 PM (EDT)
My Score:

I agree, the troc security is pretty bad to most of the kids. Did anyone who was closer to the front see that one kid with the Langhorn Alcoholics shirt on? He seriously had to be tripping on something. The security flipped out at him when he got in a fight in the pit.

-benz

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, June 2, 2004 at 11:19 AM (EDT)
My Score:

I will never again attend a show at the trocadero in Philadelphia. I know it doesn't put a dent into anything concerning the trocs business but I have consistently watched the most brutal, unnecessary security I have ever seen and I was just watching it. I watched as Andrew WK said it was ok for kids to get onstage and yes that causes a problem with policy but is no cause to punch and throw kids head first into the railings that weigh 150 pounds less than the security. The ambulance and police after the show as people chanted, "Fuck the Troc!" says it all. Please don't book hardcore shows and Andrew WK if you don't want crowd surfing. Sorry troc, you used to be a good venue but now you hate the kids who pay to get in.

Sincerely,
Any kid who went to a recent show at the troc

Posted by boldredletters on 2004-06-02 01:45:05
My Score:

great review. i chuckled.

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, June 2, 2004 at 1:08 AM (EDT)
My Score:

No Motiv and AWK suck but I would go to see the Locust alone. I'll bet 90% of the crowd hasn't even heard anything by them and they end up going into a trance.

Posted by Jesse on 2004-06-01 23:48:34
My Score:

Shit. I didn't read the Midtown/Reggie review. I just assumed that it was good as well. Foiled again!

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 1, 2004 at 11:42 PM (EDT)
My Score:

oh, and when did I give a good review to Midtown?

-benz

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 1, 2004 at 11:28 PM (EDT)
My Score:

i was just trying to make a point about Andrew WK.

i'm only a class C scenester, not yet able to enter the upper ranks as I don't have the time or money to learn about every below the radar band there is. I'm also not yet jaded enough or cynical and I like bands that scenesters are not supposed to as they are A.) known or B.) shitty.

I plan to trade in my Class C scenester liscence this fall if I'm lucky, to a class B upgrade, when I start my own zine called "We Are The Prententious Assholes".

wish me luck!

-benz

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 1, 2004 at 8:47 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Pretentious scenester kids listen to the Clash, decide that all 77 punk sounds the same, then listen to a lot of boring music and then declare that R.E.M. is actually talented.

Posted by SOYBOMB on 2004-06-01 18:20:14
My Score:

"m one of those pretentious scenester guys that all the other kids hate, except for the other scenesters who admire my unmoving attention to the bands and my crossed arms. My shirts are tight and my bands are obscure and I hail "Kid A" as a work of genius."

You're easily one of my favorite people at a given show, right down next to the fat ugly chicks who are covered in makeup and wear t-shirts that say "Boys Lie!" or some other phrase similar to the aforementioned.

Peace,
-SOYBOMB-

Posted by gladimnotemo on 2004-06-01 17:42:28
My Score:

""entire theater was blankly staring at the band as if they were killing a bald eagle onstage -- it was beautiful"

Hahahahahah. I love that band.""

Exactly.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, June 1, 2004 at 5:35 PM (EDT)
My Score:

I think there is a difference between being a pretentious scenester kid and being pretentious hipster scum.

And yeah, the Locust rock out. If there is something to "get" about them my brain lacks the ability to care.

Posted by Jesse on 2004-06-01 16:56:17
My Score:

Only a few problems with your review:

You call yourself a pretentious scenester kid, yet weren't in love with The Locust before you went and saw them. Shame on you.

You call yourself a pretentious scenester kid and you gave good reviews to The Anniversay, Midtown, and Reggie and the Full Effect. As King of the Pretentious Scenster Union, I declare you a wannabe pretentious scenester.

Your first assignment is to go fall in love with the new Liars album.

Boy that was fun to write.

Posted by TheOneTrueBill on 2004-06-01 16:44:00
My Score:

"entire theater was blankly staring at the band as if they were killing a bald eagle onstage -- it was beautiful"

Hahahahahah. I love that band.