The band sandwiched in the middle were Crystal Antlers. I've never heard of them before, but considering the Vivian Girls and Crystal Stilts connection, I figured it was possibly a side project of the two? I quickly decided that was not the case as we watched the band set up. Bongos?! we took that as a bad sign, but decided to stick it out. Hey, we just paid $15, so we might as well, right? I don't really have anything good to say about this band, however. Very plaintive emo (screamo?) vocals over just way too much of everything else. No into this at all. It was clear from the increasingly larger group outside which had us all wondering who had booked this show? Too weird.
Anyway, I did find out 24 hour french fries were the perfect antidote to Crystal Antlers. Feeling better already, I made my way up front for the Vivian Girls. The place was now really packed, but my vantage point was good (always important for me). The girls took a reeeeally long time making sure there was enough, uh, loudness in the vocals, adjusting lights, etc. it started to wear on the audience's patience after some dude offered a helpful suggestion of "play already!" he was answered with a "fuck you!". Haha! Luckily, that sort of lame audience tension didn't put a damper on the show, since they played with more confidence and also more of a catalogue than in previous incarnations and they were great. I love their fuzzed noise + harmonies sound, they are just rad! One very tall and very lanky fan thought so too, as his overenthusiastic pogoing and attempts to engage his neighbours in moshing wasn't very well received. Did I mention I was the unlucky gal right next to him? I should also mention that a tossed pint meant for him, was generously shared with me. Needless to say, a shoving match ensued and thinking how ludicrous a fight would be at a Vivian Girls show kept me distracted from the beer, now nicely drying, in my hair. Figures. I think all the raging boners in the crowd manifested into some plain old raging. Anyway, only complaint was the sort of 'jam' ending. I seriously hate it when bands do that. Play your hit and exit stage left. Otherwise it's kind of a whatever sort of ending.
