When I first heard that Nashville Pussy was going to play the Dive Bar I found it a bit hard to believe and thought that it would be a total madhouse, though I remembered them playing outside at the Beauty Bar a few years back in January, when it was about 20 degrees out and naturally, there was not a big crowd. This being a Thursday night meant that it wasn't as crazed as it might have been, but there was a good, though not insane, turnout.
Opening the night was returning local heroes, the Loud Pipes, featuring Jesse and Roxie (and singer Tony) from Cowtown Guitars (as well as Crazy Chief and formerly Thee Pigasus) and Dave from Thee Mapes - and Gilbert Estrada on drums. Musically, they reminded me of a band like Turbonegro - punky, but with Jesse and Dave adding smokin' leads on top - Jesse sounded better than I'd seen him to date - he seems more comfortable in this band and really lets loose. Dave also was doing a lot more than is required of him in Thee Mapes - and the two together jelled well. Tony is a super animated singer (at times reminiscent of Jello Biafra in his moves) with some fairly silly lyrics, but always entertaining. They even throw in "Sonic Reducer" to make sure people knew where they were coming from!
I had never heard of the 2-piece act Catl, but was intrigues by the guitarist's cool, old Gretsch big-body guitars and fairly trashy sound and with the female drummer's stripped down kit. They were definitely interesting, mixing blues, 50's r'n'r and C&W with a primitive beat, plenty of energy and some good tunes. Both members sang and split lead vocal chores and were visual, but something seemed missing - and I don't mean the bass player! Good stuff, just not 100% - to me - for some reason.
Next up were the oddly-named Yawpers - another unusual line-up of two guitars (often two acoustics, but the lead player also picked up an electric Dan Electro for some numbers) and full drum kit. Their sound was fuller, naturally, and again, a mix of blues and country. The drummer was a strong pounder and I really dug the lead player's tone and especially his slide work. As with Catl, their look could use some honing, but musically and vocally they were strong (nice vocal harmony work) and they had some really good tunes. They seem to be doing well and tour regularly, so check 'em out if they come your way.
But then we got the main attraction when Nashville Pussy stormed the stage and took over the club! Husband/wife team Blaine and Ruyter are still a monster two-guitar act, while drummer Jeremy continues to hold down the fort along with new bassist, Bonnie. Ruyter looks unchanged from the time we first saw her 15+ years ago and is still the sexy and talented lead guitar goddess that helped propel the band when they started. She is a non-stop r'n'r tornado and her playing remains amazing as she whips the audience into a frenzy. There were a few new songs (they have a brand-new record out) that seemed strong, some "hits" like the opening "Keep on Fucking", "High as Hell", "Struttin' Cock", etc., and lots from the early albums like their hyped-up "Milk Cow Blues" (where the have an extended jam and Blaine introduces the band), "Snake Eyes", "I'm the Man", "Go Motherfucker, Go" and the closing "Going Down". Ruyter leaves no doubt that there won't be an encore as she rips the strings from her guitar at the end of the set, but by then the audience was probably as wiped out as the band! They did seem to enjoy themselves, even though it was a small club gig that was not packed and Blaine expressed regret that they couldn't hang out more and had to leave for San Diego. Most Vegas natives wish that they were heading there, but he wanted to stay! In any case, it was a terrific blast and Pussy-fied rock'n'roll and they haven't lost their edge in the least over the years. Still a fantastic live band that needs to be experienced!
Thank you to the Dive Bar for hosting a band of this caliber and for only having a total of four acts on the bill, for a change! We got to see all of the groups and were still home - across town - by about 2:00. Hopefully, the club has learned that marathon gigs help no one and no one appreciates them. Good job!
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