The night of this show came on a bad night (my girlfriend's birthday), but things worked out for the good--I got to see the show. I dipped in early and had to wait around for an hour and a half for doors to open. By the time I got inside, it appeared as there was a surprise in store for us, namely the Get Up Kids playing a short set to open the show. They played about five songs, which included “Forgive & Forget”, “I’m A Loner Dottie, A Rebel”, and “Woodson”. A killer set, which got a bit violent when some hardcore kids started swinging their fists around and hit a few people.

Hot Rod Circuit was next and they were pretty damn good. Heavy driving rock, the kind that the kids are all over these days. Camera Obscura was very noisy and rocking, reminding me at times of Sonic Youth and Picasso Trigger. Both were definitely good stuff.

Rainer Maria was second to last to play (I left after them to get the train), before Reggie & the Full Effect, and this show was no different than any of the others. Kyle and Caithlin are such wonderful singers, and amazing musicians, plus Bill hits his drums like a fucking madman. They played a few new songs as well as “Breakfast of Champions”, “Tinfoil”, “Planetary”, “Broken Radio”, and a stirring version of “Rise” to end the show. This is another fine example of why Rainer Maria is one of the best live bands out there…beautiful.