The Queers, New Bomb Turks, Today is the Day

Met Cafe, Providence, RI

Today is the Day opened up with some real heavy-style hardcore. I hadn't heard them before, and the only thing I can compare their sound to is possibly early Helmet, only with more screaming and less riffs. Not typically something I listen to very much, but the power of their performance made me enjoy them. Also, never underestimate the power of a good drummer!

The reason I came to the show was to see the New Bomb Turks. I had heard a lot of good things about their live show, and in the back of my mind I thought I might be setting myself up for a letdown. Luckily I was wrong — they flat-out rocked. Singer Eric Davidson (in photo) had tons of energy and was constantly moving, dancing, and acting like an idiot on the stage, always playing to (and off) the crowd. While most of their set consisted of their fast, loud, rock & roll style, they managed to throw in a slowed-down heavy-rockin' version of Wire's "Mr. Suit".

I didn't stay for the Queers. It was a weeknight and I had work the next day, plus I've seen the Queers a bunch of times (since they're a "local" NE band, I can take them for granted once in a while...). Besides, last time I saw them play it wasn't that good — Joe King seemed like he had other things he'd rather be doing, and they sounded bad (which probably was the fault of the crappy Club Babyhead sound system).