Nurse NIkki's Neon Nightcrawl Friday July 19, 2019

The Pluralses/Jerk! – Double Down Saloon July 19, 2019 

(guest blogger NIkki Ruffling)

Tonight, at Double Down was the album release party for the newest CD for Vegas locals, Jerk!

 Jerk! was started in early 2015 by Josh Tussinger (lead vocals, guitar), Tate Hall (backing vocals, bass) and Josh Howard (drums). In 2018, they added second guitarist, Matt Brown from Badger. The band released their first full length album in 2017. This is their 3rd release, the last one being a split CD with their supporting band tonight, The Pluralses. Jerk! is a fun punk band, with good harmonies, catchy hooks and a Ramones-ish quality that is good to dance to, and even better to sit back and enjoy the musicianship. The guys are a cohesive group, no egos or attitude. They seem to really enjoy playing together and tonight was no different. They have been on several country-wide tours and have a loyal following. There was a great turnout and the crowd really enjoyed the party atmosphere- complete with two cakes to celebrate!

 The Pluralses opened up the night. The Pluralses are another local Vegas favorite since 2012, with Trent Clausen on lead vocals and bass, Kurt Kangieser on guitar and Mike Lavin on drums. A tight knit trio, they deliver straight to the gut punk, with humor filled lyrics about the favorite subjects worldwide- sex, drugs and rock and roll. Fast paced as punk should be, they are another band that has great musicianship. Tonight, they played a 40-minute set including songs such as “What the F*ck”, “Roll out the Mayonnaise” and their song “Asking for It” which has a hilarious video filmed around town with local musicians and performers. They also do a great punk cover of “Mamma Mia” by Abba. Fun, and never taking themselves seriously, The Pluralses are one of my top 10 bands here in Vegas to catch when they play.

Jerk! was up next to present some of their new CD songs, but also a great setlist of their other offerings. Jerk! is punk too, hard hitting as well, but have a melodic edge that is a little extra pizzazz. They played for at least 45 minutes, had the crowd up dancing and singing, and really presented a positive party atmosphere. With great tunes such as “Just You”, “Jerk!”, “Atomic”, and “She’s Radical” Jerk! has the corner on dare you say Power Punk. Josh T presents a great front man appearance, keeping things going, playing great guitar and singing with passion. Tate has some hard-hitting bass lines that really drive the rhythm along with Josh H backing on blistering drumbeats that is a perfect rhythm combo and leaves you ready for more. Matt on lead guitar drives home the songs with melodic, yet stinging riffs that have added that extra special dimension to Jerk! rounding out a loud sound. The band was interacting with the crowd, having fun and celebrating their new CD with passion.

Both bands are worth the time and effort to check out when you can. It was a great night, and it was great to see so many people out supporting local music and patronizing the “happiest place on earth”- the Double Down Saloon.