Sharks Come Cruisin', Spanish Gamble, Reverse the Curse, imadethemistake
The Penalty Box in Providence, RI
December 11, 2009

I almost skipped out on this show. I had a stomach full of Texas Roadhouse and was feeling the need for some sleep. I flipped a coin to decide for me, and I ended up walking to the ATM machine as imadethemistake was on stage. I only caught three songs, but they sounded pretty damn good. Each song had a different direction, with the first reminding me of a cleaner version of End of a Year, the second being a punkish song on the happier side and the third being a straight up fast punk song, with the exception of the long, emo sounding intro.

Due to traffic, there was a long delay between bands. I pondered leaving, as I was by myself without much to do, and I was exhausted, but I was already there and really wanted to see the rest of the show, especially Spanish Gamble, so I decided to stay. Reverse the Curse and Spanish Gamble eventually arrived, had a couple beers, set up and the show was ready to roll.

As good as all of the bands were, Reverse the Curse stole the show. Their singer/guitarist had a crazy aura to him, with his flannel hooded shirt over his head and his long hair hanging out as he stomped around and screamed bloody energy. The multiple parts, which I thought sounded similar to Hot Water Music when I was listening to them earlier that day, had a Gainesville feel, but it was much heavier. They were just what I needed to wake back up.

Spanish Gamble was a lot of fun to listen to. People were singing along and all of the songs seemed instantly recognizable, even though I barely knew any of them. Their blend of melodic driving yet gruff punk rock had my foot uncontrollably bouncing and my head bobbing with the beat. They had a lot of on stage charisma, with the bassist doing most of the talking, something that I found unusual (the singer is usually the one that talks to the crowd). There were a few people gang vocaling into the mic during certain sing along parts, and the mixed crowd of punk rockers and college kids all seemed to be having a good time.

I went to eat an apple before Sharks Come Cruisin’ took the stage. Because of this, I lost my good spot at the front of “stage” (which is basically the hardwood floor part), leaving me towards the barely able to see the easels with lyrics that helps with the sing alongs. Luckily, I know their set front and back, so I still had myself a good time, even though they didn’t get my full attention, as I ran into a friend of mine that stopped there with a bachelor party. Sharks Come Cruisin’ became background music for about 20 minutes while we were talking. Once he left, I found the closest spot I could and happily listened to the rest of their set, which was well over an hour and had people singing, dancing and just having a damn good time. This is what music should be.

Written by: RF
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