By: Jen Paulson
There was a perfect mix of people at the Buzzcocks show; young and old, grown up punks and current punks, scenesters, indie rockers and average joes and jolenes mixed together to create a sense of community. Right before the set started we ended up on the floor, getting a choice view. Luckily, for most of the show, this view was right behind two guys of above average height who unknowingly formed a protective wall in front of me, keeping me safe from random mosh pit assaults but still allowing for a good vantage point to enjoy the show. I was able to avoid getting bowled over and also joined in on the time-honored tradition of pushing moshers around.
I did manage to get elbowed in the jaw really hard by the first kid to start moshing (at least two or three songs before anyone else joined in). The lack of people careening into each other had something to do with the fact that the band started their set with songs off their newest album Flat Pack Philosophy. Musically, the new album is as solid as ever, though I will admit to more than a little bit of skepticism when listening to it initially; hearing the material live eased my mind. Songs like the title track, “Sell You Everything” and “Wish I Never Loved You” could have fit in well with earlier albums, musically and thematically, and were well received by the crowd. But there was still a feeling of anticipation that people were waiting for the classics. So of course, the moment the band started in on Singles Going Steady-era Buzzcocks material, the floor erupted. The entire group put forth great energy, and bass player Steve Diggle cracked me up as he egged on the crowd.
I absolutely love it when a band ages, but the essence of a band’s sound stays intact. I remember standing back, behind my wall of protection, and watching the chaos unfold, people flailing about and whipping across the floor and into each other. The music was made for it, or for flailing about in one spot like I personally did, feverishly dancing to “Promises” and “I Don’t Mind.” One of my favorite things about Buzzcocks are their backup vocals – I am a sucker for the harmonies. The encore was especially stunning, which included the triad of “Noise Annoys,” “What Do I Get” and “Orgasm Addict.” It left me wishing the show wasn’t over, even though the heat was almost unbearable. With any show that’s worth seeing, you pay a price for greatness; I’ll sweat out my overpriced drinks for that any day.
Stay up late on a school night and check out the Buzzcocks when they appear on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on CBS on July 24th.
Location Info:
Triple Rock Social Club
Artist Info: Buzzcocks
Share this story:
Article comments powered by Disqus