Review: Rise Against/The Explosion/Most Precious Blood/A Wilhelm Scream 1/8/05

Rise Against/The Explosion/Most Precious Blood/A Wilhelm Scream
The Ottobar, Baltimore MD
January 8th, 2005

Like a couple kids I met in line, I was there for Most Precious Blood (I even wore my 'neck tattoo' shirt since their bass player was the first person to actually show me his neck tattoos as a result of the shirt). I did stay until almost the bitter end though and I was pretty happy that I did.

A Wilhelm Scream
This MA band was a good choice for this tour: their sound falls somewhere between The Explosion and Rise Against. I only caught about half of their set from inside the club (long line) but I thought they rocked out, in spite of the lack of crowd support. It seemed people liked what they heard, but they weren't familiar with any of their songs (there was one dude who seemed to know every song and was pumping his fist along to several, but I think there's always at least one really hardcore fan for each band at every show). I wouldn't be disappointed to see them on a future bill - I might even show up earlier.
3.5/5

Most Precious Blood
The finest Brooklyn hardcore, Most Precious Blood is the only hardcore band I actually listen to on a regular basis. I always enjoy live hardcore shows, but the grinding guitars and shouted lyrics can quickly get old in a confined space like a cubicle or my cubicle-like apartment. MPB is one of those rare bands that manages to stay true to their genre yet provide that little something extra that makes you want to listen over and over again (they sound a little like Pantera). And they're everything I like to see in a band: crazy drummer, fat dude, neck tattooed dude, a chick, and a short angry vocalist. Last night they were missing their female guitarist, Rachel, who is one tour with her all-female metal band in Europe, and her presence was definitely missed musically. Along with those kids I met in line, there were some other Ottobar hardcore show regulars there (in 'the uniform' of course) so the crowd was pretty crazy at times (there was some head-walking going on). Per the rules for the hardcore scene I picked up some merch (got me a new hoodie) and hated the next band and secretly like the headliners...
5/5

The Explosion
Much like the Dropkick Murphys or Social Distortion (both of whom I kinda like in small doses), The Explosion is apparently music for 30-something (or 30+) punk rockers. Their shows provide an outlet for people who can no longer wear their Dickies name-patch jackets, ugly shoes, and messenger bags (w/trendy pins) on a daily basis. I don't know what else to say - I didn't like their music at all and the singer looks like Mike from the second Real World New York (a/k/a The Miz - he's now on WWE's Tough Enough) which carries no good connotations for me. The only aspect of this band I liked at all was the bass players hat and even then it looked like he was ripping off Green Day or Rancid.
No score for The Explosion - it definitely wasn't for me
3/5 for the hat

Rise Against
Now see, I almost left after The Explosion, but I figured I could stick it out for a little longer and check out Rise Against. I'd heard of them and their particular brand of punk seems to at least have a fashion following in DC. Anyway, I was very glad I stayed because Rise Against was truly an exciting band to watch. Straight-ahead punk rock with a political bent. Reminded me of my younger days when I listened to practically nothing but Bad Religion for several years.
4/5