As I put a foot into Lee’s, The Falls were well into their set and I only caught the last three songs. That was surely not enough for me, and you can bet that I’ll be keeping an eye on these kids. They’re young—I’m guessing still in high school even—but they definitely have their ears and their skill firmly planted in some serious adult territory. Their rockabilly-punk style was rabidly infectious and their spirited, youthful blare coursed through my eardrums and into my veins. Lead Guitarist Johan Malmskold and guitarist and lead singer Matt Walsh were outfitted with perfectly coiffed rockabilly hair. The line up was solidly sealed together with the stand-up bass of Chooch and the youthful, spot-on drumming of Juss Bizarre. You got the feel of some obvious worshipping at the altar of the greats, in their Chuck Berry and Misfits t-shirts. Standing outside between sets, an older woman complained about how she didn’t like the band, because in her words, they were just “too loud” for her. Sounds like a total seal of approval to me. If someone’s grandma can’t handle the noise? You’re obviously doing the right thing. 

Terry Walsh of The Belfast Cowboys - Photo by Alexa Jones

On this night, no one was getting away with making the Cowboys play the standard “Brown-Eyed Girl.” It happens to be Laura Bush’s favorite song. With the recent bridge tragedy, and the arrival of President Bush and the First Lady in town to tour the site, Terry Walsh, out of principle, would not be having any of that, despite any of the grumbles he was getting from the dance floor. Buck up friends, this would be the only moment of disappointment of the evening. 

Terry Walsh of The Belfast Cowboys - Photo by Alexa Jones

Closing out the night with “Jackie Wilson said (I’m in Heaven When You Smile),” I couldn’t think of a better selection to end on. Its upbeat, good-natured spirit and playful horns it made me beam with warm-hearted joy. Continuing afterwards with an end-of-episode SNL jam, Terry said jokingly, “I’d like to thank the cast and crew of Saturday Night Live…” That would sum it up, it was definitely Saturday night, a great group of performers had surely entertained us, and when it was all said and done, we flipped the proverbial channel to the late night news of our regular lives again.