July 5th, 2003

      This was a monumental show for the band. Kind of like our 3rd (4th?) rebirth. As Jon and Adam's first show, as well as our first show in a few months, we took our new van, played to a bunch of new faces, and played a new setlist. The songs weren't all different, but it's definitely varied from what we played over and over again all spring. Plus, it was my first show using multiple keyboards (three total), which changes the sound a little bit. Looking back at it now, we didn't really play any of our "regular" selections from Paths. We've almost got a full set of new material (V2 and beyond), that has slowly accrued in the past year. As far as i'm concerned, we're in a good spot as a band. Happy and playing well (surprising ourselves, not to mention some audienceros at this show), and exploring our newfound dynamic via Jon and Adam. However, I'll put the mushy stuff on hold for some cold hard facts about the show.
      We got to the Augusta VFW after a long search around the town. Upon arrival we were greeted with the rather humourous realization that real live Veterans (of Foreign Wars) would be at the bar all night long - through the entire show. Still, those codgers let us set up and do a little practicing (to warm our rock fingers), before the bands started arriving.
      Kicking the show off with a bang was Portland's THE MATCH. We were lucky to snag these guys on short notice, after Headstart dropped off the bill. For anybody who remembers the maine bands The Mile Racer and The Stick-Ups, the Match is basically half of each band squeezed together to make an explosive, seasoned rock band. Brought to my attention by a surprise acquaintance in attendance - my pal Josh Jenkins from boston - they sounded a lot like the Get Up Kids' "Four Minute Mile" era. Good Stuff. We'll be playing with these guys again.
      Our set was next, and we opened with our classic opener of yesteryear (literally), Still Photography - newly reworked (again) for the new lineup. We jumped right into Lie Down With Dogs, and near the end of this song, i started really enjoying myself. Perhaps it's just a different perception you get when you're looking out at the crowd, but it seemed like the entire place filled up and stood still watching us, much like our May9th show for musclecity. I'm sure there are people moving, and people making some noise, but the whole thing just seems to stop and shut up for us to play - and that's an awesome experience. Plus we played like a cadillac. I was impressed with how tight we were, especially considering it was the first show for 2 of our members, and i've only practiced with the guys 1 time in the past month. This is promising of things to come, i'd like to hope. Oh! Also of note: the resurrection of Atlantic Ocean live (awesome to play, even if it isn't a rocker) and the debut of a brand new song: Of Tourniquets & Treachery.
      After us, Marks The Spot went on. I'd never heard these guys before this show, and i've got to think that they're probably one of the more lowfive-sounding bands in the state. They were playing with a few new members as well, as some of the No Friendo guys are filling summer positions. Good jobs all around, and we'll be playing more shows with THESE guys as well.
      Lastly, we had the skateens of That's What She Said to trumpet our ears off for the night. It was kind of weird that they were playing at this show, becuse of the mismatch in styles, but they did have a good little crowd of skankers up front, and all the energy to make anybody pay attention. I'm sure that if i was a few years younger, i would've been right up front watching intently. Funniest part of their show: i was at the mixboard running sound, when a member of their band walks by me with a cup of water.... while the rest of his band was playing! he just sort of walked back over and picked up his horn and went right back at it. Kudos to that guy for totally bamboozling me for a good five minutes. Not that TWSS isn't a good band, but i would hope they get to play with more ska bands next time just to help their crowd. Great group of musicians.
      And that wrapped up the night. Some of the V's of FW's were pretty amusing, with old women threatening to track us down on the internet, and teasing underaged kids about not being able to drink, as well as an old guy who totally wanted us to "stick it to the rest of those old f***ers" because we're "the future". It was an interesting night for all in attendance, and although it was enjoyed by many, we'll try to avoid playing in actively smoky bars on our future chem-free all ages shows. Aside from a botched setlist (2 shows in a row now... and Sean Higgins wasn't even AT this show!), this was a really good show. First good show in a while, by my count.


/caleb


SETLIST
Still Photography
Lie Down With Dogs
Calico
1913
An Element of Subtlety
The Atlantic Ocean
Of Tourniquets & Treachery

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