April 1 @ Think Pink ATOM AND HIS PACKAGE Har Mar Superstar xbxrx If you've never heard of Think Pink, you're not alone.  I had to e-mail someone listed on Atom's website to get directions, then drove around for half an hour trying to find the place, only to realize I'd driven by it several times because it was just someone's house and I'd expected an actual venue.  I finally found out where it was, then parked in the back yard and made my way upstairs, where Atom was sitting in the corner reading some Kurt Vonnegut book.  The room where the show was supposed to take place was smaller than my living room, but who cares?  I guess that makes it more "punk rock" or whatever.  Anyway, Delta 88 Nightmare was originally slated to play first, but they never showed up for some reason and XBXRX played first.  I had read a little about XBXRX but nothing could've prepared me for what ensued over the next five minutes.  The band filed in wearing masks and matching uniforms (which looked suspiciously like old marching band uniforms...hmm) and put on one of the most AMAZING performances I have ever seen in my life.  I can't even begin to describe this band; I spent the duration of their set trying to pry my jaw off the floor.  All I can say is that it was the noisiest, most insane performance I have ever seen.  I hate that they only played for a few minutes, but I guess they just want to leave you wanting more.  I think they play a little longer when they headline, though.  Next up was Har Mar Superstar.  He sang sultry R&B to backing tracks and made all the ladies swoon.  Very cool stuff.  The best part of his performance was when he covered "Criminal" by Fiona Apple (!), but his whole set was quality seduction music, Har Mar style.  Finally, the headliner - Atom and His Package.  He opened with "Punk Rock Academy" and played "Hats Off to Halford," "Pumping Iron For Enya," "Meatball," "Using the Metric System," and some other stuff.  During "Meatball" he actually called one of his friends on his cell phone so he could hear the song, which was kinda neat I guess.  At one point, Atom took a step backwards in front of me, and when I tried to move out of the way, my foot got caught on a cord and Atom basically tripped over my foot.  I felt kinda embarrassed, but it was okay.  After the show, I asked Atom to sign my copy of "Shopping Spree," his split 7" with Har Mar Superstar, but he basically said he felt uncomfortable signing autographs since it's kind of a "rock star" thing.  He was nice about it, though, and I understood where he was coming from.  (Pick up a copy of that split 7" with Har Mar, by the way; it rocks.)  Out of the three "bands," I would have to say that XBXRX was my favorite; they were unbelievable.  I was actually a little bored during Atom and His Package.  His songs are great, but he basically just sang along to the CD.  Har Mar Superstar did the same thing earlier, but he put on such an interesting performance that it didn't really matter (he came out in a red choir robe, then proceeded to tear it off and gyrate and get all sweaty and stuff).  Atom's cool and all, but his performance was a little dull in my opinion.  Still, the entire show was great.  After Atom played, it was announced that Delta 88 Nightmare and another band called Kamikaze would be playing, but the Top Dog Magazine staff decided to just buy some merch and hit the road.  I took some pics, but as always it'll take me a while to put them up.  I tried to scan those pics from the LTJ show, but I'm having some scanner trouble.  As soon as I can get all this stuff scanned, it'll be up here. matt Well, I finally got some pics up for this show.  They look kinda bad, but I might be able to fix them up later.  Here's what I have for now.  Enjoy. Atom and His Package Har Mar Superstar XBXRX

atom and his package