Last night wasn’t an exciting show but let’s be honest, they all don’t have to end in a sweaty mess with people gasping for air. It was a chill show while still having a sense of energy to it which helped the young crowd make it through yet another Wednesday in the middle of a week that, due to the full moon, has become a bit strange and, well, a bit off.
I’m not going to lie, last night started off rough for me and just added to the strange and “off” week I’ve been having. Although First Avenue had tweeted out the set times stating that the show was going to start at 8:45, opening act Go For Retro didn’t take the stage until 9:15. I was instantly annoyed. I don’t know if it was the choice of the venue or the band to start late but knowing that everything was going to be pushed back a half hour and that the headliner wouldn’t be going on until 10:45 definitely had me irked. Regardless, I tried to shake it off as Go For Retro took the stage. With 36 likes on Facebook, I’m going to go ahead and say that this is a brand spanking new band here in the Twin Cities. Although their music seemed almost as boring as their live show to me, it was clear that they have some good friends that were truly enjoying their Muse-inspired music. It just really wasn’t doing anything for me. Maybe it was my mood or that damn full moon but something about Go For Retro’s set really didn’t start last night’s show off on the right foot. I would definitely be willing to give the group another chance but I’m also not going out of my way to see them again.
Second to take the stage were locals France Camp. Walking into last night’s show, I thought I had never heard of them before but as they kicked into their short set I realized I had seen this group before and my pessimism regarding how my night was going to go instantly change to optimism and I found myself bobbing my head along to the infectious beat. France Camp has a very California sun punk sound to them and an energy to match. I watched as the band members moved along to the music which, in turn, seemed to give the young audience the confidence they needed to do the same. No more standing still, the entire room was dancing along to the fun music of France Camp. At times their sound and show reminded me of Fidlar with that whole I don’t give a fuck, I’m going to play loud and fast and you’re going to dance attitude. At other times the members just came off as those best friends that you’ve been jamming to since their days in the garage and basement. Regardless of what the members of France Camp made you feel, their set was definitely enjoyable but was unfortunately done to soon. This is definitely a band I would love to see again and hope to be able to do so sooner rather than later.
Closing out the night was Acid Dad and, despite the late set time, I was excited and ready to see this New York based band. Acid Dad has a very unique sound. At times their music comes off as very psych-punk but it isn’t afraid to wander into the surf-punk, straight up punk, straight up indie, and many other worlds. The uniqueness of their music kept their late set feeling fresh and energetic and kept me from obsessing over how much sleep I would end up getting if I left at any given time. Although their music is up-beat and even dancey at times, there’s also an undeniable sense of calmness and a very chill vibe that radiates off the stage as this group plays.
Even though they have only been around since 2015, Acid Dad is clearly one of those ‘bands to watch’ and I’d be willing to bet they are on many people’s ‘breakout band of the year’ lists for this year. Their sound and energy is something that seems to stand out among other bands like them and is sure to shoot them to the top in no time. Their signature Adidas logo t-shirt that says Acid Dad instead of Adidas is quickly becoming a staple in many people’s closet and a shirt I’ve been noticing more and more at other shows. It’s that smart-assery, sense of humor and the way they are able to stay so humble even with all of the buzz that is sure to make these guys a lasting band in a scene full of bands that never seem to last that long.
Not every band on every show can be a winner. Last night was a prime example of how easily one band that you don’t enjoy or one late start can ruin an entire night. If you don’t like an act or band, don’t write off the show (or even that band). Shake it off and move on. You’re at a concert– it’s meant to be up for interpretation and personal opinions but it’s also meant to be fun and a way to escape your normal life.
Line Up:
Venue: 7th Street Entry
Sausage Fest Meter- 6 out of 10
Average Age of the Crowd- 22
Crowd Surfers- 0
Stage Divers- 0
Broken Bones- 0
Spotted Flying Through The Air- None
Fights- 0
Pukers- 0
Idiots Taken Out By Security- 0
Celebrity Sightings- None
Overall Score- 7 out of 10
Show on Deck- L.A. Salami/ Cat Clyde
March 30, 2018 at 6:00 pm
The gig i was at last night was supposed to start at 9pm. First band on at 10:30. In bed at 2:38am.
May 28, 2019 at 6:29 pm
I was at this show. They didn’t start till 915 because Yo La Tengo was playing next store in the Mainroom and requested the venue to have it absolutely quiet. Yo La Tengo’s set was an acoustic set so the Entry show had to be postponed. Most rock shows don’t start till a half hour the fact it says (general rule of thumb)… I would try to overlook this or maybe not influence your writing. Sorry to intrude.