Behind the 8 Ball, Sound Like Chicken,
Waste of Space & BrainHorn

Mojos
November 14th 2003
by Leemo

Boy oh boy, what a night!
It all began with the return of the almighty Brainhorn. These guys have been on a break for approximately 3 months, yet they managed to pull off a fantastic show. Their decision to use their old drummer (who quit to work for a wedding band, yet agreed to do this gig and another one later on this month) was a wise one. I’m sure all Brainhorn fanatics such as myself are a bit concerned as to how BH’s new, yet-to-be-confirmed rhythm section would effect the band’s sound, and therefore having that familiar drumming was very reassuring. One would assume a band would be rather unpolished after 3 months of abandon, but these boys proved all the skeptics wrong by playing some favorites flawlessly and flaunting their ability to put on an extremely energetic live show.

“Obnoxious” my parents uttered as I walked in the door later on at night and asked what they thought of Waste of Space. “Absolutely terrible” was the ‘compliment’ that followed. I wasn’t completely shocked by these remarks, for as receptive and understanding as my parents are, loud twin guitars, horns and screaming are just beyond their threshold of enjoyment. Waste of Space put on their usual cheerful set, though no skank circle was in sight until deep into the night. WOS played something old, something new, nothing borrowed but something Blue (Meanies). Their new song sounded promising, though live sound is never the best way to make a judgement about a local band (too bad my parents didn’t think the same).

It was then time for Sounds Like Chicken. I doubt anyone in the crowd was prepared for the ferocious musical onslaught that is sLc. Whatever these guys were on, I wish it was an over-the-counter pharmaceutical, as sLc took to the stage with “Can’t Sleep… Cannibals Will Eat Me”. They launched into a frenzy of skanking and jumping, while playing what was by far the most mind-blowing set of the night. The energy never lay low, not even for an instant, throughout their entire show. If I wasn’t on camera duty I would’ve been skanking my checkered heart out, and it is unfortunate no one else took over that notion. Incredible vocals, amazing use of unusual utilities (megaphone etc.), rich arrangements… Wow is all I can say.

It was time for the last band to come on and finish the night. Behind The 8-Ball rose to the stage, and still managed a decent set considering their drunken condition and time limitations. Since it was Jacob’s (vocals/guitar) birthday, a video photographer was in place and therefore I withdrew my photography very early on the set. Some crowd favorites were played, and all in all the 8-Ball boys did well.

With both the Brainhorn’s return and Sounds Like Chicken’s explosive set, it was inevitably one sweet ska night at Mojo’s. Fun for all involved (my parents excluded).

Leemo