That was a remark someone made to me as I was leaving Paycheck’s Lounge, nearing midnight. By then much of greater Detroit was covered in a few inches of snow. But that did not deter the dedicated Blowout spectators. In fact, for many, the harsh backdrop just further encouraged many to warm their spirits by shaving a few decibels off their hearing with some Detroit music.
I began the night at the G of C Lounge, where the Bill Bondsmen warmed everyone up with their hardcore foot-stompers. It’s hardcore with small glimpses of avant-noise, but subtle enough so as not to distract from their incisive two minute cuts.
At Kelly’s Bar I tried to catch the Ashleys, but missed most of their set. From what I hear, the duo delivered their usual, über-energetic show.
Chicago’s Bird Names played Paycheck’s. They were an odd pop duo with a taste for deranged (but positively infectious) indie lullabies and dense, jerky percussion. Fun, messy and a bit lysergic.
Back at the G of C Lounge, Electric Fire Babies morphed the place into a steamy mutant disco. Whether it was the funky, biting guitar, the sultry vocals or the ultra-cool conga player, no one could resist the temptation to just friggin’ dance.
Capping off the night were the Detroit Cobras at the G of C Hall. Not much to say since I imagine everyone in Detroit knows about the greatest cover band in the world. Just trust me when I say it was great. You’d expect nothing less from the Cobras.
And so ends my first Blowout experience. And after four days, I’m only $100 in the red. Hey, I'm 21 – That’s a lot of money to me.
Also, my apologies to Ryan Allen, Allan James and the Cold Wave for previously confusing facts about their Saturday time slot at Small's.
