Allow me to start this off by saying that Club Congress is an absolute beauty of a venue. It has to be the epitome of any band's wet dream of a venue. The stage is facing the bar, which is only fifty feet or so away. The stage is backed with red velvet curtains and lined with bars of light that illuminate iron-work designs that beckon to the era of the 1920's. With that said, this place is run sloppy. Instead of using the Denton-area common 'wristband' system, they set up a fish net around the bar with a bouncer and a piece of paper that put it simply: "21 & up only." Of course, if you have a drink in your hand you can't go in the 'minor' area, which is the only way to get close to the stage. I eventually became accustomed to it, but I still did not like viewing the show through a net. I won't get on rant about what bullshit it is that you can't smoke inside ANY bar in the Tucson area, but I will complain about the fact that the doors to their patio were locked up for the night.
I did not make it time for Zechs Marquise. Even though, I was excited to hear what they were about; Mostly due to the fact that the band name comes from one of my favorite Japanese cartoons of all time, Gundam Wing.
But I did make it in just as TBATB were setting up. I was not at all surprised to find out that most people I spoke with around me had no idea who this band was. With only one record, the band did manage to turn some heads and win over the crowd. Two stand up drummers was a refreshing change of pace that excited the room. An acoustic folk band that can capture a room like what happened that night is something to take notice of for sure. "Vampire Lake" brought that house down more than anyone could have expected with only the exception of the group themselves. After Ray Rude and the gang made a venue full of fans that night, an encore was called out for. They took that call, having played their entire released catalog. With little debate they "played something new." that will hopefully be featured on a future EP/LP.
RX Bandits headlined. RX Bandits has a strong local following, to say the least. Women cried, stereotypical dude-bros tried to start a mosh pit, but we all danced. They played for over an hour, selecting tracks from every album. Including, "Falling Down the Mountain" from The Resignation record, "Apparition" from ....and the Battle Begun, and several others. The energy in the room was staggering to say the least, RX Bandits definitely comes across like a band to see live then tell your grandchildren about. The best part though? Knowing that their energy is pure, a group that plays purely for the entertainment of others as much as themselves. A group of music nerds that intricately compose beautiful rhythms that are expertly and talent-fully executed in a live setting without compromising on performance intensity. In the end, the crowd called for an encore. But it truly did seem as if they would start a riot on Congress if they did not get to hear more music. Faking reluctance, the Bandits teased the crowd for five minutes before wailing through a lengthier version of "Decrescendo." Ironically enough, that song closed the night and the crowd was spent.
Truly was a night at Club Congress to write home about, if you weren't there you should regret it.
