Reel Big
Fish and MxPx’s summer tour passed through Columbia Missouri’s The
Blue Note to offer up a workingman’s reprieve in concert form.
Getting
the crowd motivated was the surprisingly good Whole Wheat Bread. Whole
Wheat’s songs were decidedly punk but the band did not hide its
affection toward hip-hop. It easily set itself apart from The Blue
Note’s usual lackluster warm-up groups by its eclectic stage presence.
Its liveliness was reminiscent of a Red Hot Chili Peppers’ music video
and, to further the entertainment, Whole Wheat passed a watermelon
through the crowd.
Next up
was Streetlight Manifesto. Streetlight’s performance consisted of
mixing Ska and Punk, proving its talent in incorporating impressive
guitar, sax and trombone solos. However, as the set went on, it became
apparent that Streetlight suffers from trying to find its identity
between the two genres. Songs that showcased the talent of the band
best were those that avoided the temptation of having one foot in Ska
and one in Punk. Unfortunately, all too often Streetlight gave in to
temptation and performed songs that were an unappealing battle between
brass and punk.
Streetlight Manifesto was followed by a Jolly Roger skull crossed with
fishing reels. It was time for Reel Big Fish. The aging band belted
out songs of carefree rebellion filled with punchy lyrics and soothing
bass lines. It showed a clear focus on the vocals letting the fast
riffs and speedy brass parts complement Aaron Barrett’s well-written
lyrics. Throughout the night the music of the suit-clad members of
Reel Big Fish infused The Blue Note’s usual energized and inebriated
college crowd with the spirit of “Animal House.” The performance was
complete with their 1997 hit “Sell Out” and fan favorite “She Has a
Girlfriend Now.” A large part of the appeal of Reel Big Fish came from
its humorous and party attitude. One example was its exaggerated
replaying of one of its songs in three musical styles: emo, country
and death metal.
MxPx,
consisting of the heavily tattooed Mike Herrera and Tom Wisniewski on
bass and guitar rocked to the drums of Yuri Ruley who resembled a
younger Drew Carey. Mike explained that due to problems with his voice
the band had brought along their friend Tony Lovato from Mest to share
the role of lead singer and play second guitar. MxPx pleased the
audience in a lively range of songs covering topics from women to
college towns, defying The Blue Note in support of crowd surfing, and
throwing the bass and guitar across the stage.
MxPx
played many of its hits along with covers of The Ramones “The KKK Took
My Baby Away” and the punk classic, Bryan Adams’ “Summer of 69.”
Originating from the Seattle area, MxPx has the sound and look of
California. With the absence of godly lyrics it is hard to recognize
its Christian Rock background; however, the past revels itself in the
generally upbeat and positive sound. Turning what some would consider
a flaw into an asset, MxPx and the concert in general provided a
powerful display of talent and a healthy dose of exceeded
expectations.
