I'd been looking forward to this show for a while, since I'd seen the first two bands once before, but hadn't yet seen Ben Johnson front his other band. I made sure to get there nice and early, even though I was coming almost directly from a totally different kind of shooting gig for me, but that post will have to wait for a couple more weeks.

Fing started off the night with their high energy dance-punk. 



They don't stand still for very long. Except for Chris, who has to man the keys.



He's moving to L.A. soon, this was their last show with him. They're actively looking for a replacement, so if you know anyone...


Pascal is the kind of frontman that commands attention with his frantics. That's a word now.




The red light in the center went off during the second half of the set, which I don't think I've seen since Polvo's encore here in September. It's nice and even, but dim, so I had to use my primes. I really should use them more often. The limited depth of field and slightly higher shutter speeds possible are perfect for concerts.




I hope they back to playing shows again soon, although I think they could continue as a 4-piece.

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Last time I saw Kill Me Tomorrow a year or two ago, they had a different lineup. This time it was an all-male trio.


This light scheme gave me some problems. It highlights all the busy background in an ugly way. Usually when a band brings its own lights, it's a fun challenge for me to try and get some good shots, but this time, it was just challenging.

So B&W to the rescue- making mediocre shots artistic for almost 150 years and counting!






To be honest, their brand of experimental music isn't really my thing, since there's not a whole lot going on in it. I can see why so many people like this band since they've got a sparse and ominous sound, but it just doesn't do much for me. When your Myspace page lists your music as other/experimental, you must know that you're not going to be everyone's cup of tea.


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Ben Johnson. Most of the time he's a super nice guy. But there is a raging red furnace under that calm exterior.


Wow, such a stark transformation.


The Long and Short of It are not a band that you can fully appreciate without seeing them live. One of the reasons that it's taken me this long to see them is because I always skip past their track, "Man of the Century", on the compilation CD I have, so I had a skewed opinion I guess. Their new CD is quite a bit different, and heavier.



Ben owns the stage, and I was right there in front of him the whole time. I had no choice, it was so packed I couldn't move around to get any other angles, so no full band shots. That's his brother, Tim, on Drums.


Ben gives a brief dissertation on entertainment law.




On any other night, you'd see Ben behind the bar, expertly making martinis. But when he steps on stage, he slaps that drink out of your hand and scolds you for not being a more productive member of society, lest you become dog food in the coming apocalypse.



If this band could have played for Congress a few years ago, maybe America wouldn't be in the mess its in today. TLASOI saw it coming, and they're trying to warn everyone about what's next.

 
I picked up their brand new CD, "Caw! An Unkindness of Ravens", after the show and met Ben's lovely wife at the merch booth, I believe her name is Monique. We both like our women with brown hair and glasses. They got married this past November 2nd, which happens to be my birthday!

There were quite a few people at this show who I have met before and a couple who I got to meet for the first time after getting to know thier digital versions, like the esteemed Sean McMullen, the Casbah's resident photographer.  Maybe when I've been shooting bands as long as him, I'll get the chance to put some photos up there too.