Sled Island 11′ – Day 3
On my way to see Bison b.c. at Olympic Plaza it started to rain. Hard. Noticing that Palominos was so close, I decided to get a drink and try some of their famous barbecue. It didn’t disappoint. I was lucky enough to catch Adeline perform while I downed a couple pints of Steamwhistle. The place was full, forcing me to listen from the patio, though that didn’t diminish my experience. A pretty voice, the singer never strained with an eloquent and tasteful performance. That said, as nice as it was, didn’t deliver anything out of the ordinary but was perfectly pleasant. Perhaps if I’d been able to watch them rather than have them as background music it would have left more of an impression. I’ll take the blame for that.
Checking my clock, I knew missed Bison’s set but I realized there was still time to catch the Buzzcocks set at Olympic Plaza. I rolled in just as the 70s punk rock legends broke out the classic “Why Can’t I Touch It?” With a rhythm guitarist and a drummer that appear to be twenty years their junior, they showed a delightful cockiness and refused to be looked at like the dinosaur acts many of their peers have succumbed to. The Plaza was fairly subdued throughout the show, perking up only for bratty hits like “What Do I Get” and “Orgasm Addict.” Indeed, the majority of fans in the Plaza appeared to be metalheads and were probably confused by seeing punk rock elder statesmen playing in the hot sun.
I ran into a few old friends I hadn’t seen for quite some time before the Sword were to hit the stage. They, along with most everyone, were there for the metal acts that would be closing the show. As soon as the first chords blared through the sound system people from every angle ran toward the stage. Hailing from Austin, Texas, the heavy four-piece tore the stage up and owned the crowd from the get-go. This was the type of show where dudes take their shirts off and high-five each other. And that’s great (and, yes, amusing). Shows like this are so much fun; I like to think I’m open minded, but at the end of the day, this stuff hits my sweet spot more than any buzz band that we’re supposed to like before it becomes unfashionable to do so ever could. Sled Island would do well to bring in more bands like this. Playing a great deal of the tracks from 2010’s masterful Warp Riders, the groove these guys have is as tasty as any band I’ve ever heard.
The Sword – How Heavy This Axe
The Sword’s set was so good that I was already spent, but the metal gods in Sleep were to close out the show, a choice I’ll admit I found odd. wasn’t exactly an energetic way to finish up, but the band rightfully commands a lot of respect within the metal community and managed to show the audience what power they possess. Every song lumbered like a giant, with riffs as thick as a brick and slow as molasses. A ten-minute song for them is considered short and sweet. They could have played one sixty-minute song and everyone listening would have been just as satisfied. Few bands can pull off such a feat. If you have the pleasure of witnessing Sleep, know what you’re in for and prepare for a wall of sound.
After trying and failing to get in touch with my photographer to meet up at some point (it’s to my understanding that barely woke up before midnight—must have been a fun Thursday night) I had to make a choice on which show to attend. There were literally five different shows I would have been happy to see and with no one by my side, I had my pick. Red Fang at the Palomino was mighty tempting, but I figured I’d had enough of a dose of metal for the day. I opted for Crocodiles/Deer Tick at Dicken’s. The $7.00 beers at Olympic Plaza had begun to add up, so I was relieved to see that there was a liquor store beside the club. I loosened up with a bottle of Canadian Club whiskey before heading inside.
Crocodiles hit the stage and entertained the hip, young crowd. This was the third opportunity I’d had to see them at the festival and I’m glad it finally happened. The vocals were difficult to hear over how loud and noisy the rest of group was, but I’m not complaining. The guitarist was the clear standout, commanding attention by the sheer decadence and volume of his playing. Every time he stomped on his pedal and played it was a like a shock to the system. If the rest of the band played like that they would be a monster; as it stands, they’re merely human.
The show was running way behind schedule, meaning if I was to catch the train home I’d need to leave during Deer Tick. This was a shame as they were one of the groups I’d been looking forward to the most. Alas, I caught a couple of their songs and went on my way. I hope to catch them someday (along with side project Middle Brother). This just wasn’t the night.
Related posts:
- Sled Island Festival – Day 1
- Sled Island Festival – Day 2
- Sled Island Day 1
- Sled Island Day 2
- Sled Island 2011
