now that i’m through with that, it’s time for the review! the rudies were on first, and if anyone had fallen asleep somehow from listening to the hypnotic rock music on the sound system before the show, these guys definitely woke them up. the guys played their usual ska-core-esque music, along with a few new songs. one of which was a rock song, and the other a beautiful love song sung by lead vocalist chandra schwartz.

about halfway through the set, the guitarist brian barton was experiencing some "technical difficulties", and had to snag a different guitar. while this was going on, their horn section burst into "country trombones", an instrumental with a little hick feel to it, and that was something else. the band then finished up the set with their signature bye-bye song, beer guys and song, and by that time several lazy people had gotten off their asses and danced.

my only complaint was the mixing, because the drums were way back there, and the horns were incredibly loud as usual. the drummer seemed exceptionally excited tonight, as many on the songs rushed the original tempos, especially on fills. the best thing about the rudies, as i have stated in previous reviews, is they have fun. they get up there and move, and have the best time. and that was that.

the next band was one i had never heard before, feel. by listening to them when they came out, my first impression was, "oh, here’s three old guys and one freaky chick trying to act young, singing about drugs drugs drugs." after listening for a while, i discovered that i couldn’t be any more right about that.

here was a rock, rap-core band that sounds like all four of them were the biological products of axl rose and humpty (the rapper). they played burnt out rock songs, mostly originals, with a female lead singer screaming her head off. the band did a rock cover of the humpty dance, with the rapping guitar player. sporting his orange pants and suspenders, with boxers hanging out, this guy was far from "with it".

this group was humorous at best, and they had a few moments, but they’re more of an act i could see playing at some crappy bar somewhere. oh wait, that’s where they were playing. i enjoyed some of the bass licks, the drummer was pretty good, and looked like someone straight out of guns ‘n roses. anyway, i feel that this band certainly didn’t belong at this particular show.

next was the untouchables. anyone who doesn’t like this band should be hung upside down naked by their nipples, 20 feet above a vat of burnt macaroni and cheese with vicious hungry sharks that don’t like macaroni and cheese swimming in it. that’s how good these guys are. they played a lot of traditional ska, some swing, and a couple supa-fly funk tunes ‘fo mad-ass flava.

i’ll comment on the players one by one. the lead singer was a cool black guy, sportin’ black shades and braided hair. he sang well, but i would’ve appreciated more toasting. the drummer was new, but tight with the rest of the rhythm section. the guitar player belted out some insane solos, and really put on a show for the audience. i liked his shoes too, and the bass player laid down the rhythm fat and thick.

the trombone player at first was just standing there playing, looking kinda bored. then after a bit, he began skanking across the stage, and he threw off his hat, revealing long blond dreads down past his hips. he had a beard bigger than my head, and he played like you wouldn’t believe! the sax player was incredible, slammin’ several increrdible solos through the bell of that sweet tenor saxophone.

altogether, these guys put on a hell of a show. they played about a two hour set i think, but i wouldn’t know, it seemed like forever to me. if you ever get a chance to hear the untouchables, jump on it. they’re a fun band, and they kick the hell out of the majority of new third-wave ska bands today.

. - bud newman - .