CATBITE / RODEO BOYS / SGT. SCAG – LIVE AT THE SPACE
By Ralph Beauchamp
The Space Ballroom is known for bringing some amazing talent to their stage and this evening was no exception. Philadelphia’s Catbite ruled the roost and brought along two exciting openers in Rodeo Boys and Sgt. Scag. Ska and good old-fashion power punk filled the rafters all night.
Opener, Sgt. Scag is no stranger to the New Haven and abroad ska scene. Formed in late 1990’s. the band took a long hiatus. After 18 years, Sgt. Scag has dropped a new album entitled At least More Than Half-way Dead which is a monster. All the tracks are keepers. This is Sgt. Scag’s third full length. They released Detonate in 1999 and Just Another Trick in 1998. Most of the songs in their set came from At least More Than Half-way Dead.
Sgt. Scag’s first song out was “A-D-D” and right from the start you knew this was going to be a hi-energy experience. Lead singer Steve Lonergan was totally animated and in complete control. The musicianship was killer. Sgt. Scag was tight and ready to play. Next up was “Murderhouse” and Lonergan and the band were coming into form. The audience was feeling their frantic vibes. “Jimmy Mortars” and “Teeth” followed and Sgt. Scag was dealing all the cards.
The groove- laden “401 BK’ and “Charred Candles” were also fan favorites. Sgt. Scag closed out with the effervescent “Everest” which Lonergan said not to climb since “there is nothing up there”. Lonergan was an excellent frontman. He kept his banter interesting and the crowd was very receptive. It is great to have Sgt. Scag back. They haven’t missed a beat.
Rodeo Boys were next. This four piece juggernaut from Lansing, MI bill themselves “for queers and steers”. The band is comprised of Tiff Hannay (Vocals/Guitar), Caleb Shook (Guitar), Taylor (Bass) and Christian Urabazzo (Drums). The Rodeo Boys’ sound is hard to pigeon-hole. They throw out a wonderful mixture of rock & roll, punk and emo. Their new album Junior, recently released on Don Giovanni Records, showcases the Rodeo Boys’ explosive power and finesse. The Rodeo Boys’ tunes seem to be both introspective and unfiltered while remaining anthemic.
Their set began with “Sam’s Song” off of Junior. Hannay’s vocals were vibrant and bold. Shook’s guitar rang with authority while Taylor’s bass was masterful. Urabazzo’s percussions hammered with determination. A totally great start. That was followed by “Let Down” and “Lonesome” and the band began to crank. Everyone was enjoying the groove. “Speedway” was blazing with kinetic elation. “Blue” was a banger
All the while, Hannay gave the house cool snippets into the band’s life which was well received. “Crystal Pt. 1” was voracious with an indie punk angst and psychedelic overtones. The group finished with a spellbinding version of “All American Man”. Rodeo Boys are a band on the rise. Junior is a sonic tour-de-force and will catapult the band into the indie stratosphere.
As soo as the main attraction, Catbite, hit the stage the Space Ballroom erupted into cheers. This was the band everyone was waiting for. The Philadelphia ska ensemble opened with a song off their new EP, Doom Garden. “Die In Denver” set the tone for Catbite‘s extensive set. The tune is extremely spirited and vivid. Lead Singer Brittany Luna was animated and full of spectacular spontaneity. Her voice was gnarly with punchy inflections. Catbite came out swinging.
Besides Luna, Catbite is made up off Tim Hildebrand (Guitar), Chris Pires (Drums), Ben Parry (Bass) and Kayleigh Malloy (Keys). Every member of the band is an accomplished musician. In addition, the entire band delivered an energized set. Nobody stood still. Catbite was constantly in motion using every inch of the stage. The house was loving every minute of it. “Asinine” led into “Not Ur Baby” and “Amphetamine Delight”. Catbite was really feeling it and so was the audience.
Other songs that stole the show were “Tired Of Talk” (which had everyone moving), “Put Em Away” and “Remediate”. Throughout Catbite‘s set, Luna kept the room captivated. Her sparkling personality stole everyone’s hearts. She was exuberant and full of unbridled joy. The band is the true definition of fun. Their stellar songs leave the soul elated with infectious bliss. During Catbite‘s final tune, “Excuse Me Miss”, Luna jumped into the audience, dancing and just enjoying the crowd’s adoration. She absolutely brought festivity to the entire room.
On this evening, Catbite brought an upbeat party to the Space Ballroom. Everyone was happily skanking and swaying to the lush textures Catbite was letting loose. Add Rodeo Boys and Sgt. Scag and you have a night of pure musical rapture. We all went home with smiles and thanks.
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