Alkaline Trio, American Steel, The Fashion
Lupo's in Providence, RI
July 13, 2008

I almost didn't go to this show, but then I found out admission was only $20 instead of the $25 I originally thought. I walked in, gave my crisp Jackson to the pretentious douche taking money (he's always looking down on people) and caught the end of the first song from The Fashion. Like their name, they were terrible. I thought they had a girl singer until I saw him rocking out in his tight plaid shirt. The band had no onstage energy and sounded like a dancy pop band that lacked originality and hooks. They tried, but they ultimately in my ears.

My head failed me for American Steel. I was more excited about seeing them than any other band this weekend, and I couldn't stay still during their set. I had to either be sitting or moving, and my brain was doing cartwheels inside my head, trickling down everywhere else, leaving me restless and unfocused. So, instead of watching them comfortably, they had to serve as the soundtrack for me feeling like my bones were going to break through my skin like a high school football team. They played a great set, getting over some early equipment woes and making me want to find their older material (the stuff from Destroy Their Futures was great too).

The people watching had some entertaining moments. I saw a group of girls give Alkaline Trio's merch guy the number to their hotel room (or apartment) in a very seductive fashion. I also saw two drunken jock type characters exchange shirts, almost knock a girl over and then give one of the shirts they exchanged to a friend.

Alkaline Trio was good, playing a good helping of songs from their albums. They had a great sound and played a tight set, though it probably wouldn't have mattered with the fan love the crowd was giving them. All that mattered to me was that they played "Warbrain," which they did towards the middle of their set.

Written by: RF
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