MJ Lenderman hit the stage with his band, The Wind, and damn near stole the weekend. Touring in support of his sixth studio album ‘Manning Fireworks,’ the group ripped through a powerhouse set. “Not to get ahead of myself, but I think this is gonna be the best day ever.”
The boys have matured and evolved since their beginnings, with Morrell boldly taking his guitar into new experimental areas. Jack efficiently sharing rhythm section duties with brother Mike, who handles his mighty bass and belts out songs with even stronger vocals.
As debut albums go, ‘Twenty Seven’ leaves an unforgettable impression on listeners. Skillfully produced by Duane Lundy (Sturgill Simpson, Jim James, Ringo Starr), the tracks flow as gracefully as Taylor’s fluid onstage movements.
Jourgensen’s style has not changed, rife with Goth over- (and under-) tones, the singer is a singular presence. His voice still resonates as it has for the past four decades and the musicians were very tight.
It was a good vibe in the Roxy. A wide range of ages were on display, including a surprisingly large percentage of Gen Zs in attendance.
The man’s had a rough couple of years, mainly caused by the dissolution of his 10-year marriage to Amanda Shires. Given that many of his songs have been inspired by or about her, one might wonder how he can still perform those lyrics.
The band ran through all 10 tracks from ‘Trees & Screams,’ adding something from each of his prior solo efforts. Known for his deep dive of covers from favorite artists, Hood did not disappoint.
Just four days on from the 2024 general election, Hood is holding up that mirror to our society again, as he did back in 2001. It stings even more today than it did then.
X’s punk rockabilly (punkabilly?) identity was on full display, sounding as tight as ever. It’s hard to believe its been 44 years since their debut. Each musician better than you think on stage, it seems that they’ve improved with age.
I know what you’re thinking, “Hey, weren’t The Police a trio?” Why, yes, they were. And true fans picked up on several Andy Summersesque guitar licks by Miller and even more Stewart Copelandesque drum fills by Maas.
NO EARPLUGS 