Review: Bane/Comeback Kid/With Honor/Silent Drive/Ruiner 3/8/05

Tuesday March 8th
Bane
Comeback Kid
With Honor
Silent Drive and Ruiner
Ottobar, Baltimore MD

Ruiner, from Baltimore MD: Randy said you were 'pitchy' and it was 'just OK'; Paula said....oh wait I'm getting confused because of that other Tuesday night show again. [Just a note on that show - I did learn something from the episode I taped: it's possible to sing an entire Selena song in complete monotone]
Actually I missed both Ruiner and Silent Drive because I got a late start from home (I had to scrape the windows and the headlights due to yesterday's storm) and then I couldn't find a place to park near the Ottobar. I'm sad about missing Silent Drive especially because I really like them.

Anyway, the first band I saw was With Honor, who last played Ottobar with Sick of It All and Terror (see huge Retro-Review-a-palooza post). WH was 'just OK' for me - typical hardcore but the vocals were pretty weak. In the crowd there was a lot of head-walking going on and the bouncers actually got up on stage and announced that anyone stage-diving feet first would be thrown out. [The bouncers at the Ottobar are the most laid-back dudes ever, so you know it was a pretty serious situation - I've seen them break up actual fights and not kick people out - just telling the people to stay on opposite sides of the room.]
3/5

Next up, my first time seeing/hearing Comeback Kid and I was really impressed. Again, plain ol' hardcore but with stronger vocals and they were also a lot more entertaining to watch. The only other time I've seen that much stage diving was during the above mentioned Sick of It All show last year. There were actually some pile-ups in front where so many people were jumping they were landing on top of people who were still on the backs over the crowd. I would also say that CK are cuter than any of the other bands, not that it matters...
I'm looking forward to seeing them again.
4/5

Oh Bane, I missed you so. I forgot how much I love their frontman - he's so awesome - lecturing the crowd and talking about the history of "the scene" and all that junk. I wish I'd had a camera because he looks like he's having such a good time on stage. Crazy stage diving continued during their set, but the bouncer with the weird hair was posted on stage to keep people moving along and discourage the poseurs. Can I just say how much I hate those people who just have to get their hands on the mic to sing? So annoying...
5/5

Mad props to the dude in the beret and neckerchief who looked like a Combat-Rock-era Joe Strummer (which is apparently the next big thing and I could use way more of) and to the metal bouncer guy.
Boo to the kids who made of my car - at least I have a car, losers!