So, I caught the first of two homecoming shows by Firewater last night. Saturday's show found them at Southpaw in scenic Park Slope, Brooklyn. I'd never been to this venue before, but it's amazing. Great space, very roomy, nice sight-lines. Very nice.
The band was completely on fire, pardon the pun. Along with Erik Sanko of Skeleton Key filling on bass detail, Tod was flanked by a female trombonist (nothing adds mystique to a band like a female trombone player), a Sikh Londoner who played this massive drum (the name of which escapes me -- see picture above), a French drummer and a shit-hot guitarist. The set list was mostly stuff of the new record, The Golden Hour, along with some radically re-arranged renditions of a few old faves. The crowd was hugely into it. They're playing tomorrow night as well at the Bowery Ballroom (with Skeleton Key opening). If you have the opportunity, you shouldn't miss them.
This is another of my favorite tracks of the new records. They played it last night and the room just came alive. The solo that closes out the song is so goddamn great I can't stand it.
Play it loud.
Any idea what Tod's stance on [audio] recording a show is? For personal use only, mind you -- no file-sharing BS. Just want to play it for the wife who'll be staying home with the baby...
Posted by: Cysto Johnny | May 26, 2008 at 05:01 PM
Honestly, I don't know. I remember a good ten years ago when Firewater played at the (since dismantled) band shell in Tompkins Square Park, a friend of mine tried to videotape the show, only to be chastised repeatedly by someone. But that was all before the age of YouTube etc. I don't Tod would really mind, but I can't speak for him.
Posted by: Alex in NYC | May 26, 2008 at 05:38 PM
Thanks, and Incidentally, congrat's on the shout-out in the liner notes.
Posted by: Cysto Johnny | May 27, 2008 at 09:43 AM