It has been 18 years since At the drive-in's last headline show in Glasgow. I remember it well as it was at the Arches in Glasgow and I was annoyed that I couldn't go because it was an over 18s gig. And I was 16. I have seen The Mars Volta a few times though who are lead singer Cedric and Omar the gutairists other band. They were awesome nights so I was excited for finally getting to see At the Drive-in live for the first time given their reputation as a great live act.
The first support act of the night was Le Butcherettes. I hadn't investigated this band at all prior to the gig but I wish I had now. They are a punk band from Mexico. They have been around since 2007 with various band member changes over the years. With lead vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist - Teri Gender Bender being the only main stay in the band since their formation. At the moment they are a 3 piece and not only did they create a good racket. But the whole performance was just captivating. Throughout the set you just didn't know what Teri was going to do next. At one point I actually thought there was something seriously wrong as she started to take deep breaths with both hands on her hips. Turns out this was just part of the act. There was another point where it felt like the drummer was going for a big finale but at the end it morphed into another song. I was pleased as it meant another song!
The second support act, I had heard a bit more from prior to the gig and that was Death from above 1979. These guys are a 2 piece punk rock act and like At the Drive-in split up quite a few years back and reformed with a new album "Outrage Now" which was out last year. It was already a difficult slot to fill though for Death from Above tonight as Le Butcherettes set the bar so high. But they just about did it. This was full on punk rock with the occasional keyboard moments. But even those bits were heavy. Their songs don't really have any slow build ups or gradual finishes. They are very much all out rock from start to finish of each song. With songs often finishing very suddenly. Not a critism just the way they do things. I didn't realise before the gig that it was the drummer that did the singing too. Which was a bit weird as you just expect the guitarist to sing. But he was superb. I thought he would get tired out drumming and singing but that wasn't even an issue.
So now the stage was set for tonight's headliners - At the drive-in playing to a pretty much sold out crowd. This set, as expected, was explosive and full of energy. I had high expectations going into the gig and they were certainly met and more. I am so glad they played "Invalid litter department" as that is my favourite song by them. Something I wasn't expecting was the extended jamming on some of the songs. I expect this at a Mars Volta gig but I thought At the drive-in would be more sticking to the actual songs. Which they did for the most part. But as I say, for a couple of songs they extended them which was awesome and a nice surprise. In terms of what the actually played it was a bit surprising that they only played four songs off the new album. As it is a solid album. But they did play 9 songs off Relationship of Command which was their breakout album and still their best. So most folk would have been happy.
Overall this was a great night with 3 great live bands. As much as I like At the Drive-in, I do hope Cedric and Omar go and release another Mars Volta record. The prog community is missing them. In terms of this gig though I don't think I've been to a gig in a while where I have really enjoyed all the acts on the bill so much.
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