The Devil's Duo, Jesse and the Hogg Brothers, Sidewalk Slam at the Double Down, Friday Feb 18, 2022

We're working to get the Devil's Duo out'n'about so that we can work out some kinks and get a bit more confident with our new banjolele/acoustic guitar duo so when we heard about Jesse and the Hogg Brothers coming back out (we had been asked to play with them with our other projects but it didn't work out) to the Double Down, we asked to get on the gig. We like to open shows, which can be good or bad, but this evening there was a good crowd early on and while we were pretty different from the other two acts on the bill, we got a good response to our brand of Americana/blues/country/whatever - even had a few people up'n'dancin' (thanks to our drum machine for helping us to keep a groovin' beat)! Thanks again to Ian and all of the crew at the Double Down for being so supportive to our act, even though it's not the usual fare for the club.

Although Jesse and the Hogg Brothers call themselves cow-punk, and there are some elements of that genre in their mix, they are overall pretty eclectic'n'goofy, with a truly warped sense of humor and a low-fi, trashy sound (cheap instruments that all went through the PA - even the electric drums) that made me think of the Fugs in their most twisted moments. Crude'n'rude, their bizarre antics'n'stage demeanor had the audience laughing and shaking their heads in disbelief at times! Wacky fun!

In another completely different set, Sidewalk Slam were a touring tight'n'loud thrash metal band with great players all around (two shredding guitarists - one male and one female), bass, drums and a lead singer, who was unfortunately a bit drowned out by the mayhem. I was pretty wiped out by the time they went on from an insane work week and life in general, but I enjoyed what I heard, even if it was not my usual cup of hemlock. Although I used to go along with the saying "if it's too loud, you're too old", I guess I'm now too old and the volume was a bit intense for the small club, but it was powerful.

Once again, thanks to the Double Down for yet another night of wild diversity! We hope to be back soon!