Q: What is more fun than seeing a superb live triple bill at a sweaty Belltown club on a lovely July evening?
1. Staying at home and watching a rerun of "Dance Moms" while clucking your tongue.
2. Organizing your pencils and pens by height and color.
3. Drinking craft beer at the "sustainable sandwich" cafe with people you think have too much money for their own good.
4. Bungeeing jumping on a dare and visibly crapping your pants.
5. NOTHING! NOTHING IS MORE FUN!
A: #5 OR GET OUT
So, with all this in mind, I went to the Rendezvous last night to enjoy marvelous music, friends, and a big glass of refreshing water. Sadly, just as I brought out my camera and was ready to start shooting, the opening band Hearts Are Thugs played the last few notes of their last song. But from what I did hear, their vocalist has a major set of pipes, and I will look forward to crossing paths with them again soon!
Something very special was up next: the debut gig of The Gods Themselves, a trio featuring members of local bands Atomic Bride and Autolite Strike. You would expect some opening-night nerves, but none were in sight here. The band, despite a few minor tech issues, offered up a very tight and confident set, strongly grounded in '70s classic hard rock, psychedelia, and garage, and the room was packed. Check them out! (As always, click on the photos to enlarge and click on the Flickr link to see more!)
The Gods Themselves, Rendezvous, Seattle 7/5/14 Flickr set
Headlining the bill was one of my favorites: the always-entertaining, always-F'IN'-awesome Partman Parthorse. Marshall, Rachel, Lisa, and clothes-mostly-optional Gary have been playing together for many years now, and it shows in the best of ways -- their camaraderie is so evident, and each member really shines as an individual musician. Gary is a frontman of distinction™, and would be even if he was not bedecked in fishnet zipper panties and covered in fake blood and shiny paint. Partman Parthorse delivers a powerful post-punk punch, with a great sense of humor as well. If you can repeat "Partman Parthorse powerful post-punk punch" really fast five times, I will buy you a beer.
These following photographs may not be appreciated at your workplace, at your grandma's house, or where your children can view them and then can ask questions that you are, frankly, wishing to avoid for another few years.
Partman Parthorse, Rendezvous, Seattle 7/5/14 Flickr set
Thank you Rendezvous, Kitty Page, and of course Hearts Are Thugs, The Gods Themselves, and PMPH for a great night!
© Copyright 2008- Marianne Spellman