The Dirty Hooks, Shanda and the Howlers and the Implosions at the Swan Dive, Saturday 8-2-25

 

Now that we are able to get out'n'about again, we are trying to catch up on shows and friends' bands that we have missed for so long and this evening's triple threat was something that we couldn't pass up!

Having never been to the Swan Dive before, we didn't know what to expect and while it is a bit more upscale than our normal haunts (with drink prices a little bit higher, as well, although not completely out of reason), and it is a fairly large concert room, it has a great stage with real lighting and a real PA system. The sound overall was quite good throughout the night and it was fun to see cool bands in this habitat. (Although my one criticism would be that they should have a little bit of seating against the walls for tired, old folks.)

In any case, our friends the Implosions opened the night at the very reasonable time of 8:00 pm-ish to a room that was just starting to fill up, but had a decent amount of enthusiastic folks. I have always dug the Implosions mix of punk, garage and kinda-moody, Cramps-ian tunes and tonight every aspect was on fine display. They've been around for a few years now and are tighter than ever (natch) with hip stage presence (front woman Adrienne is particularly good'n'showy and has a great voice, as well) and plenty of dynamics with a good variety in tempo'n'styles - and some great fuzz! They have a new album out (which I did not get this eve but will next time we see them) and so there was a cool mix of old'n'new tunes. I really like the variety that they have, which kinda makes my fave Cramps-ian songs stand out even more. The lyrics are all Vegas-themed ("Showgirl", "Million Dollar Photo", "Free Aspirin and Sympathy", "Graveyard Shift", "Ponies") and there was a good bit of audience interaction for "Cash Out" where anyone could grab a mini-tambourine to emulate the cash out sounds (and everyone returned them, as well!). Great start of the night!

Shanda and the Howlers have been another fave since they hit the scene and we were pleased when they were added to this bill as we haven't see them in ages, either, and it seems like they are not playing as many local shows as they once did. With Turbo's propulsive'n'dynamic drumming driving the band, locking in with Luke's hips bass lines and Trevor's stinging (and sometimes mellow) guitar lines, Jeffrey ads terrific harp playing on top of the mix (although mixed a little low in the sound system this time out) and it is all filled out by Shanda's extraordinary vocals - they are a team to be reckoned with! Exceptional souful'n'bluesy originals and fun covers like the Sonics' "Shot Down" had the crowd eating from their hands right from the start. I hope that they get back into the swing of local gigs!

We were quite impressed the the Dirty Hooks managed to practically pack the place for their new album release party (again, I will need to pick that up next time around) and put on a particularly rockin' show from start to finish. Exceptional vocals from everyone, excellent drumming, hip 6-string bass lines and powerful guitar lines hightlighted the set. While I'm not overly familiar with their material (I have only seen them once before), I believe that they mostly, if not only, played their new album, which was a hit with the crowd. They put out a heckuva sound for a three piece, with the drummer triggering the occasional sample - as if she didn't have enough to do! - for added depth, and Anthony adding the occasional keys. Oh yeah, the Howlers' Trevor joined them for a tune, as well! They have a hip, alt-rock kinda sound that, dare I say it? - it actually commercial. They certainly have plenty of people on their side already so who knows where they could take this?! 

Fun night from start to finish - thanks to the Swan Dive for hosting hip, local music!