Last night at Anna's was effin' off the wall excitment at overall old-fashioned fun. There were a few opening bands that came before the feature act, The A.K.A.s, which were, undoubtly nothing below damn good.
The first act, i never got the name, was a three piece band that seemed to be like an old school hardcore punk band that easily get references to Black Flag and Circle Jerks. I like how they always heckled the crowd because there the first band to play and every was outside waiting for later acts. The few songs on the setlist that they did play were pretty good, enough to hold me over to the next band. 5/10.
The second act, were a local band, with the catchy name 'The Jump
Offs' looks like a pretty young band had more modern influences, which I later found out. Between all the acts that did play, it was the Jump Offs that left me with the biggest impression, mainly because they incorporated sounds that I enjoyed much of, such as the Stroke-ish guitars, or the enthuiasum of the Hives. When there set ended, i kinda wanted to hear more, as they enticed my curiousity. No wonder they opened for MGMT. 8/10
The third act, was a hardcore/screamo type band called 'All Heart' which got pretty decent applause from the audience, and was probably one of the few times the crowd got really rallied up, and started extreme tap-dancing. Their sounds were pretty loud, and it was pretty hard to hear the song all together. I don't think I heard anything worth inspiring or something i already haven't heard of before. But it is what it is. 4/10
The Fourth act, was a local Punk/Ska band called, "Black Square." What is interesting about this gig in particular is that not all bands sound the same with each other, and that they had a unique quality about themselves that make them stand out beyond the others, and this one did not dissappoint. Black Square sounded and look pretty legit, as they play grovin' sounds that got the people jumping for more. Everyone was either dancing or just having a good time. I got to say, this was a very good band. I wouldn't be suprised if they were on a Warped Tour line up in the future, cause this band got a future so bright, they have to wear shades! 7/10.
The Main Act!
The A.K.A.s are a punk band from Philly, and have been around the punk scene for a pretty much majority of the decade. After a few member changes, they arrive at Anna's for a few shows on the island. From the opening speech vocalist Mike Ski, promising their music will blow the minds of many, he did not dissapoint. Song after song after song, they play a restless playlist, most off their new CD, Animal Summer, the massive attack from all side relentlessly pushed me back, and the only way to get out in front was to head bang over and over. Not only did they have ass-kicking music to get the fish leaping out of water, they had hot-lookin' synth player who looked serious all the way though, but probably the heart of a wild demon, waiting to pour on some hot action. I could hardly attain my 6-inch erection in my pants. But that's from all the music of course. 8/10