Earthmen & Strangers started things off with precision and edge reminiscent of Drive Like Jehu, serious rock you don’t turn your back on.  Guitars were pounded and strumming hands were a blur. Afterwards I noticed that the show was already heavy with attendees, you could feel that this was going to be big.

Thee Oh Sees took the stage wearing their vintage guitars high and tight and communicated solely by echo chamber. They were the look of a West Coast car club and the sound of Rat Fink fronting the band you always wish was playing in all those beach party movies, where psychedelic doesn’t mean an eight minute guitar solo. As John Dwyer literally had the mike in his mouth, he bragged that one of his guitars cost four dollars. Brigid Dawson provided vocal harmony and a Gene Clark/ Nico tambourine rattle. The four -piece proceeded to play songs with titles like “The Freak Was Clean,” “It Killed Mom” and “Block of Ice.” They challenged the notion of fun on a Friday night to a knife fight with your ear drums, and they won fair and square. Imagine if Lux Interior wasn’t in drag and Jan and Dean didn’t let Dead Man’s Curve overtake them and you have some idea of Thee Oh Sees’ show.

Eleven o’clock and the place is packed. Without warning, Jay Reatard took the stage in a squall of feedback and a thicket of hair. They broke into Blood Visions, channeling a Wayne Kramer swagger and fuck it all presence that pricked up your ears and held your attention. The music was heavy with hooks and the theme of the songbook was to have a fucking good time at all costs. Song after song of amped-up pop came in quick succession, with the title shouted out and immediately played at breakneck pace. This lack of direct communication with the crowd seemed to get them more and more worked up, no “Hello Cleveland” bullshit. It was the same effect the too cool guy at school has on all his crazed female admirers. Finally, Jay pulled an audience member from the insanity of the front row and handed over his Flying V guitar. This kid started wailing on the neck as bassist Steve and drummer Billy whipped the crowd into a howling mania. The shit went off everyone was locked into the same distorted frequency.   I was happy I had earplugs and even happier I did not miss out.

—Eyad Karkoutly