The Implosions, Thee Swank Bastards at the Double Down Friday 2-13-26

 

While we did not know the host of this bachelor party, we know both bands and the fact that it was an early night meant that we definitely made it down for the fun!

Obviously, I have ranted'n'raved about the Implosions countless times in their relatively short history, as I always dig their take on garage/punk/Cramps-ian goodness.  This evening they really seemed to be on top of their game, despite singer Adrienne implying that her voice was sore. Still, they put on a fun, energetic set with all of their hits and plenty of new tunes, as well! They just keep getting better and are always a groovy time and the crowd always loves 'em! 

Of course, Thee Swanks have been Las Vegas' premier surf/instrumental band forever and Jesse invariably gets good-natured, quality people to back up his reverbed, staccato'd guitar and his flyin' fingers! This evening the basic set up was Jesse, longtime cohort Jeff Murphy on bass (goofy as hell, but highly talented) and hot pants, and the Implosions' Clay Heximer on drums. With a vast repertoire to choose from, you're never quite sure what songs you're going to hear from show-to-show and since this set had to be somewhat shorter than some (they have several residencies in town where they play all night long) they cut out some of the longer numbers, like their Black Sabbath medley. But, that didn't mean that Jesse didn't hand off his guitar to Murphy, with Denise picking up the bass and Ron Carpenter sitting in on the drums at various times! You never know what to expect, other than a good time!

Although it gets harder to get me out these days - life can be exhausting - once I get out, I am really enjoying seeing bands again and our LV friends sound better all the time! And it seems to me that the Double Down is getting a resurgence, as well, after a slow period, but that might just be me getting back into the swing of things myself. In any case, loved the early set times (3 more bands played after this early show/party add-on to the night), I've been digging the DD vibe again and all of the great people who work there, and, of course, our friends' bands truly rock the town!