The Spin: Howlies, The Werewolf Killers & The Outlaw Lovers at Springwater
A long weekend of oppressive Tennessee heat came to a close for us on Sunday night at The Springwater, where a sizeable crowd showed up for an onslaught of pure rock 'n' roll, the likes of which proved a fitting end to a weekend that started with Def Leppard. The night began with local newcomers The Werewolf Killers who, in a brash display of filth and fury, did their best to drive a stake through the heart of the Springwater crowd. Since the word "punk" has so many connotations these days, we'll call what they played "cock punk"—imagine Black Flag's lighter moments (e.g. "T.V. Party") infused with some Kiss and Thin Lizzy. A lot of harmonized lead guitars, crash cymbals, homoerotic stage hijinks and, par for the course, too much between-song banter. It was nothing we haven't seen before but these guys were able to sell it with enough spirit and conviction to keep us engaged...definitely a band to keep an eye out of for if you long to have lived on Hollywood Blvd. in 1982.
Up next were Atlanta's Howlies who brought jaws to the floor with their breakneck rhythmic ferocity, ghoulish gang vocals, and compositional twists and turns. Their sound isn't so much garage-rock as it is '60s beach party music for the new world. A band who is able to steal from all the right places, all the while, maintaining their own idiosyncratic identity in the process. On this night they were welcomed as an honorary Nashville band, with a room full of familiar local faces packed up against the stage singing along. Proof positive that out-of-town bands can penetrate the insular Nashville rock scene.
Rounding out the bill were Outlaw Lovers, who follow in the tradition of bands such as The Replacements and The New York Dolls in pursuing the sonic personification of decadence. Their enthusiasm for balancing whiskey shots with a responsibility to their craft was matched by the late night crowd, who undoubtedly have a rude awakening ahead of them this morning.
Comments
Howlies were stellar as usual... though I do blame them for the flesh wound on my knuckles from too much rockin' out (I punched a stage light and bled like a hemophiliac). Enjoyed Werewolf Killers, too. Anyone that throws a Buzzcocks cover in is a-okay in my book. Though I'd love to hear "Why Can't I Touch It" over "Orgasm Addict" any day.
Posted 08/05/2008 at 03:09:07 AMCheck this out then, Pavement covering "Love is Lies"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V7PmbPzXF8
Posted 08/05/2008 at 10:31:04 AMhow do the replacements "personify decadence?"
Posted 08/06/2008 at 02:08:25 PMi mean the dolls, maybe (although i wouldn't say they do it very well), but the replacements? it's kind of confusing.
The Replacements were without question the drunkest band I've ever seen on stage. The Pogues drank as much (or more), but they actually managed to finish a song or two. The first time I saw the Mats, they started about 40 songs and finished maybe eight. And back in the day, their excesses were the stuff of legend. Wish I could remember who it was they duct-taped naked and dispatched via elevator to a hotel lobby.
Posted 08/06/2008 at 02:34:21 PM