If my count is correct, this is four years running that Seattle gets a concert from NY ska band the Toasters. No complaints here. The Toasters are always fun.
This time the line up (besides founding member Robert Hingley AKA Bucket on guitar & vocals), consisted of a very lively horn section (bass grillbert on tbone deals on sax), long-time bassist Tim Karns and the charismatic Boris Maninveldt on drums.
When it came time to play Pirate Radio, Bucket (who grew up in England) explained how in his youth he’d listen to the pirate radio stations who broadcast from boats in the English Channel because it was the only way to hear rock songs, which were banned by the BBC. When the authorities tried to go after them to shut them down they’d move over to the French side to avoid apprehension. Though there isn’t much difference today in the US. It’s just here everyone listens to whatever corporate serves up piping hot and is oblivious to the fact that there is good music out there. It just isn’t played on corporate radio, so they don’t know the difference.
As usual Bucket dedicated Don’t Let the Bastards Grind You Down to all the crooked politicians (in which again the United States takes first prize on). As I frequently scanned the dance floor, I noticed there wasn’t a still body in the house. The dance floor was packed. Seattle likes the Toasters. I’m getting old now and starting to get more choosy on who I want to drag my butt out to see. Obviously the Toasters are still worth my effort.
Playing prior to the Toasters was Seattle’s own the Kings. It’s been ages since I last saw the Kings. I’d almost forgotten how much fun they were. Keyboardist/vocalist Ryan emotes all over the place while he twists and turns and leaps about, never missing a note. Guitarist Jens was all “rock star” antics, rarely staying in one place more than a couple seconds. Add two lively horn players (Zi Ko on trombone and Dan on sax), Jack the manic drummer and Andrew who kept things steady on bass. These guys play a unique brand of ska/pop that can’t be beat.
Opening the entire evening was another Seattle band, the Pimpsons. Not only do they get points for most creative name, they get points for being stellar musicians. Their music was a combo of ska (often reminiscent of Sublime) to some more straight up pop rock. They even did a wicked ska version of the old Elton John song Bennie & the Jets. The Pimpsons consist of Jake Carden – guitar, vocals (who exuded a fair bit of charisma); Tyson Klassen – bass; Dan Schmidt – keyboards and Drew Shreve – drums. This was my first time seeing them. I hope it isn’t the last. And judging by the non-stop dancing during the entire night, I’d say everyone in attendance had a great time.
– All photos property of Holly Homan, all rights reserved.
