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LIVE FROM THE FRONT |
04.04.02 Daniel Ash @ the Marquee 
 This was a classic set of new and old. Daniel was energetic and belted out tunes off of his new album, and his back catalogue from Love and Rockets, and Tones on Tail. I was very happy to hear my personal favorite "Christian Says" performed live. 03.05.02 NOFX with Mad Caddies, Frenzal Rhomb, & Inspection 12 by Whitney Weiss Inspection 12’s triumphant homecoming show had them as openers for a trio of better-established punk rock acts—but that didn't matter. A sold-out club Plush erupted in cheers when they took the stage, which later turned into a chorus of sing-a-long voices and bouncing kids during “Sweet Sixteen,” “Red-Letter Day,” and "Eulogy." The band slowed it down for a mellow cover of “Kokomo,” which was well-received and reminiscent of their Acoustic Christmas show. James, Dan, and Pete bounced along with their audience, and the band's chemistry has never been better. Tim's strong drumming and the entire group's energy and musicianship made the I12 set explosive. Next came Australian-based Frenzal Rhomb. Their skinny, dreadlocked singer ran around the stage, the guitarist (who came out in full drag) jumped up and down in a circle, and the drummer slammed his kit (but with impressive precision) like there was no tomorrow. Frenzal Rhomb’s hard and fast punk rock had the pit at a fever pitch. The bassist (who swigged bottles of Corona how others might drink water) remarked when they finished their set (full of songs equally overusing “fuck” and“fun”): “Those stoned kids in the front row have no idea what just happened.” Frenzal Rhomb’s energy impressed me, and pumped the crowd's anticipation to see NOFX up even more. After Frenzal Rhomb’s rip-roaring punk came the Mad Caddies, whose hook-filled ska had even the groupies trying to skank. The trombonist and trumpet player danced around holding their horns like guitars and swigging beer (Corona again) when they weren't playing. The vocalist spent most of the set jumping around the stage, pausing during the guitar solo in one song to attempt push-ups, sit-ups, and jumping jacks. The Mad Caddies’ ska-punk had the audience alternating between head-bobbing and pogoing, and if you haven't given this band a listen, you must; they're talented. During the break between Mad Caddies and NOFX, the crowd continued to push forward against the barricades. Once NOFX took the stage, the audience couldn't really ram forward anymore, but continued to try. After playing their first song, Fat Mike, wearing a shirt with a picture of George W. and the words “Not My President” insisted that the kids move back, first kindly (“C’mon, we don't want anyone to get hurt) and then yelling at a select few (“You're the reason I don't get in the pit, you ruin shows”). NOFX played a variety of songs from all their albums, from ska instrumentals to “What's the Matter With Parents Today?” the ever-popular lament about parents who think they're cool. Fat Mike's signature whine, Erik's solid drumming, and the duo of crunchy guitars sounded fantastic live, and the audience's reaction to the band resulted in the most raised fists “oi-ing,” and pogoing that I've seen in awhile at a Jacksonville show. The NOFX set absolutely rocked, and their fresh enthusiasm (the show was their first in ten months) made their performance that much better. |
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