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| - Finding my Inner Rocker:
I skipped out on the Elite Event at Chino Locos when things wound down and those still standing headed to the après-parti at Local 4. The Creepshow were headlining at the Reverb and a friend was in town to see them with me.
This was my first time here, and first impressions are important. Door staff were welcoming and the climb to the second floor where the Reverb resides felt like I was on my way into an exclusive attic party (which, of course, was not the case).
I arrived just as the first of three bands was starting, and was impressed with their calibre considering their spot in the lineup. Drinks were rock-bar priced (not cheap, but not ridiculous) and a good selection was available, including my go-to-brew Tankhouse (Mill St. Brewing).
Acoustics and layout are great. When I was at the bar, located at the rear of the audience, the music was muted enough by the surroundings and distance that I could articulate a beer order without tearing a vocal chord. On the other hand, sound was great from up front when I wanted to get right in there. There's room for a mosh pit if that's your thing; I'm a bit old for that these days but leaned against a post just to the edge of it and let the kids have their fun (this was an all-ages show). A wristband policy makes it convenient for grown-ups to get liquored up while the young'uns stay out of trouble - no need to bother with a "VIP area" that can sometimes seem more like a pig pen.
Notwithstanding the fact that the psychobilly scene (this really is the genre's name!) isn't normally my kind of thing, I didn't feel out of place or awkward at all. I expected more trouble at an all-ages show, but it didn't materialize and it quickly became apparent that this somewhat thgithly-knit punk-rock community was there for a good time and nothing else.
The bands were fantastic - The Dreadnoughts and Hypnophonica opened for the Creepshow, who put on a hell of a show. They're not only are they talented musicians, but also polished performers - every bit of their show was action-packed and adrenaline-charged.
Besides the Creepshow, I'd also encourage you to check out their lead singer's solo work (Sarah Blackwood). She's got an amazing voice and has been playing since she was knee-high to a grasshopper. It's kind of bluegrass meets chick-rock, and it's awesome.
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