Thunderfuck and the Deadly Romantics/ The Squids /The Jesse James Medicine Show September 16 @ The Casbah by Gentleman Jeff Andersen
Back to the Casbah Lounge for another Saturday night of music (and $9 cans of Guinness), I noticed the turnout was a little thin. I believe something else was happening in town that may have contributed to this, but by the time the headliners took the stage, there was a bit more of a crowd, including walk ins, who were in for quite a surprise. Inserting my earplugs, I set about documenting the event.
Jesse James Medicine Show
This was my first time seeing this band, whom I had heard good things about from friends. As it transpired, they were not lying to me. A nice romper stomper of a duo, bass and guitar accompanied by some nice footwork on kick and snare drums. They had a good sense of showpersonship and created some great rave ups during their set. One of their tunes morphed into a rowdy sea shanty that I particularly enjoyed. Their last number, in my opinion, was their best—a great set ender with lots of false stops and starts. Well chosen as an opening act, they might even benefit from a dedicated drummer, but I guess that’s their “thing”, and who am I to be critical? Besides, you can’t split $50 three ways, so I get the logic.
The Squids
Sammy and Pete have had a busy summer. This is the third time I’ve seen them in two months, and there are more gigs to come. Aside from Cramps and Doo Wop covers, the duo led the audience in a rousing sing along to the “Stugats” song, a crowd favourite. I keep hearing/ reading about a recording of the song with audience participation, but I am unsure of the time and place. Additionally, a new Italo-Swamp sing-along is coming into its own, to show that The Squids are not just a “one hit” band. “Gabagool (Gimme gimme?)” is another catchy tune, this time about the merits of this succulent spiced meat delicacy. The only downside of their set was that Sammy’s voice seemed hoarse and strained. Professional pitfall, I suppose, but from myyears working in hospitality/ catering, I know how much shouting (and swearing) is needed to get the job done. Sammy and Peter will be back at the Casbah sometime in the Fall—check local listings.
Thunderfuck and the Deadly Romantics
I hadn’t seen Bruce and company since well before the pandemic lockdowns and I was curious to see what they’d been up to. I have been following/ sharing stages with Bruce Hotchkies since the days of Britney’s Krack and was well aware of the somewhat seamy reputation of The Deadly Romantics. After a chat with Bruce, it seems the band has been busy, still plugging away after all these years, in defiance of anyone’s opinion and with the future well in hand. Bruce is a consummate showman, part GG Allin, part Freddie Mercury, if I were to make a comparison. The band revved up on stage and were joined by the singer, before launching into an early, “signature” number, “Do Ya Wanna Rock and Roll?”. Great hooks, and the band proved to be tighter and more confident than ever. The addition of Neen McQueen really added to the sound. I’m not sure when he joined, but his lead playing was incisive and raunchy—just right for the band and their catalogue of tunes. As mentioned, the entire group was quite solid, with Bruce showing how he could put on a real show, as a performer and compere. His forays into the audience were both shocking and comforting in a strange way. A highlight of their set was a cover of AC/DC’s “Dirty Deeds” with audience participation (seems to be a theme these days). Despite some technical issues with in-ear monitors and a silent keyboard, Thunderfuck and the Deadly Romantics really showed their intent and drive during their hour-long set. Some might and have criticized the band for being too “rock n’ roll”, but in my opinion, that’s the whole point of the project. I find the attitude quite tongue in cheek and amusing, but it doesn’t take away from the product—a good band with good songs presented in an enjoyable manner. The band is to be taken seriously, but not too seriously. Even I get the point.It reminds me of years ago when Danko Jones were starting to become popular, and people dismissed them as being, again, too “rock and roll” and full of outlandish posturing. This is reading into something too deeply, and I enjoy Danko Jones for the same reasons I do the Deadly Romantics. And guess what? Danko Jones is hugely popular in the UK and Europe, playing totens of thousands of people in stadiums at rock festivals. What’s the lesson here?“Keep on doing what you do until it’s done, done, done.” Thunderfuck and the Deadly Romantics travel to the UK for another mini tour next April. Catch them locally before it becomes more difficult to do so.
*Beer Corner—did I mention the $9 cans of Guinness? Oh yes, I did*
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