After weeks of anticaption, the Lawrence Arms were ready to play their first local show after many months of waiting. It was to be huge with bands Ten Grand, the Arrivals, and Small Brown Bike. Even Fat Mike would be there. With just one day before Warped Tour, this seemed like the perfect opener.
Unfortunetly, I arrived late to the Metro, a fine indepedant music venue. I missed most Ten Grand and most of the Arrivals set. Though from what I saw of the last 3 songs of the Arrivals, they were nothing great, only a sideact.
After buying an awesome Lawrence Arms t-shirt, I got a good spectating spot to see Small Brown Bike. Although I knew little of their material, they sounded like an early Hot Water Music. Half of the crowd seemed to like them, but it was obivious they were not stimulated by the new material. In fact, Small Brown Bike layed very little new material. They really did nothing for me, and nothing for themselves.
At last The Lawrence Arms opened up their set with the dynamic "100 Resolutions". The crowd immedietetly went crazy. My lip started to bleed a little after I got elbowed in the mouth. But the energy was amazing. Slamdancing and crowd surfing were enjoyed by all. They played a reasonable amount of songs from all 3 of their full lengths and some stuff from their splits. Brennnan, the leader singer of the band had a good connection with the crowd. With two songs left, they played a classic tune from the Broadways. They then finished I think with "The Northside, the LL, and a number of crappy apartments". Brennan left and said " I hope you all enjoy playing 4 bucks for water tomorrow".
Highlights:
100 Resolutions
Porno and Snuff Films
Turnstyles
Chicago is Burning
Quintucple Your Money
Corposes of Our Motivations
Boatless Booze Cruise Part 1
Here Comes the Neighboorhood
If you have yet to listen to the Lawrence Arms, listen to their new cd Apathy and Exhaustion. It is absolutely amazing. They are sure to keep up their bittersweet anthems when they tour with Dillinger Four and the Plea For Peace Tour 2002.