Night Marchers/Obits
Santos Party House
12.17.08

When it was announced that Obits and Night Marchers would be playing a show together, there was a lot of wishful hoping that the 2 frontmen, Rick Froberg and John “Speedo” Reis, would join together to play a few Hot Snakes songs (especially with ex Hot Snakes Gar Wood and Jason K also in the Night Marchers.

It would have been cool, but it didn’t happen, and it didn’t matter.

While Hot Snakes was a perfect combo of Rick and Speedo’s greatest assets, Obits and Night Marchers seem to perfectly display exactly what each of those men contributed to tat great band (as well as the legendary Drive Like Jehu).

Obits came to the stage first, after some chill jazz played over the venue’s speakers. The band pleaded to the venue for more light (because they’re getting older and needed to see their fretboards). After a bit of prodding the venue finally turned up the lights, including the disco ball. Those disco lights didn’t last long, but it was a pretty interesting combination. Defined by Froberg’s mesmerizing guitar style (which mixes blues riffs with punk rock aggression) and his distinctive wail, Obits shredded their way through a fantastic set. Often times reminding me of the early Replacements’ sound, the band was on point, and proved that Froberg can make great music without John Reis by his side.

Reis has already proved that he can exist without Froberg, since Rocket From The Crypt will most likely be where his greatest legacy lies. So, it makes sense that Night Marchers got the headline slot. Less than in aminute in, they proved more than worthy. First they buttered up the crowd with “recession beers” and then the proceeded to rock with that same balls-to-the-walls intensity of every band Reis has ever played in. As with much of Reis’ bands, their sound combined equal parts 50s rock and Joe Strummer punk rock urgency. Led by Speedo’s charismatic presence, they instantly had complete control over the crowd, so much so that when Reis told the crowd to show their appreciation by throwing their shoes at him, a bunch of concert-goers found themselves standing in the socks seconds later. The, they no doubt had their socks rocked right off.

As a huge fan of both Hot Snakes and Rocket From The Crypt, it’s been a huge relief to see Reis and Froberg introduce such great new bands.