Ungodly Levels of Rock
I went to Kung Fu Necktie, a very lively bar/performance space located just north of the Girard Avenue stop on the El, last night to see some rock-n-roll, and I was NOT disappointed. The headliner was former Shack Shaker Joe Buck, who’s got a one-man band project going called “Joe Buck Yourself”. The supporters were Tracer Bullet from Chicago and American Speedway, from Royersford PA.
Tracer Bullet played really fun rockabilly-edged rock-n-roll. They also had a guy doubling on sax and keys, which made this otherwise run-of-the-mill band a lot of fun (just not enough fun to thoroughly hold my interest). here’s a live clip:
Good stuff, but nothing to write home about, in my opinion. Good harmonies and a nonstop beat make for excellent party rock. I’d see ‘em again, but I wouldn’t make a special trip.
American Speedway, on the other hand, was fucking brutal. I can’t believe I’ve never seen them before. The rhythm guitar/singer was playing a les Paul copy he’d made himself through a massive amp (6 12″ speakers) he’d also made himself. They were so loud, I had to walk down the block to Johnny Brenda’s to pick up a set of earplugs. Here’s a good idea:
I especially liked the fact that the lead guitar was played by a woman. You don’t see that too often, and she was rippin’. They’ll be headlining the same venue this Saturday, and you can bet your ass I’m going. they were fuckin’ incredible.
Here’s a live clip:
I honestly don’t know what to write about Joe Buck other than that he was terrifying. He looked like Skeletor with a mohawk and a smack habit (although I don’t believe he takes drugs, and might not drink either), and his eyes rolled around in his head like a crazy person’s do. I kept waiting for him to launch himself into the crowd and start beating the crap out of the audience. A few times I coulda sworn he was about to lose his mind onstage.
Here’s some more live footage:
As bizarre as all this was, Joe Buck put on one hell of a show, sweating, stomping, strumming and screaming for well over an hour. It fucked with my mind but good. If you get a chance to see Joe Buck, don’t pass it up. And if you’re in Philly this coming weekend, drop by KFN for a second dose of American Speedway!
