Rhett Miller of the Old 97's at La Zona Rosa - more photos... photo by jeff barringer - staff photographer |
by harrison davis - club kingsnake staff
The Old 97’s show came at extremely late notice for me, so late that by the time I was confirmed to go, the openers were already on stage. Luckily, I had nothing to do and was able to make it down quick enough to catch Old 97’s full set.
I had heard that the band was great live; I have enjoyed a few of their records, so I came in with an expectation, not huge expectations but enough for me to comfortably say that the show wouldn’t suck.
I have never realized how many hardcore fans that this band has. The moment the seminal alt-country band came on stage the entire front section of the room erupted and their enthusiasm never faltered. They spent much of the show pogoing and sometimes going as far as moshing. Even the crowd not crammed up to the front sang along with nearly every tune they played.
The band itself was very tight. They didn’t exude very much stage presence, but they did sound great. I was immediately drawn to the playing of lead guitarist Ken Bethea. His playing was very upbeat and jangly and went nice with Philip Peeples straight backbeat drumming.
It took this show to make me notice just how good of a songwriter Rhett Miller is. He played two solo songs during the encore that I felt were among the best songs played that night.
I’m not going crazy wanting to see the Old 97’s again soon, but they were very good the first time around.