After A Long Hiatus, LA’s Tiger Army Returns to the Stage at Seattle’s El Corazon, by Holly Homan

On Saturday June 25 the long awaited return of So Cal’s Tiger Army came to El Corazon. The last time Tiger Army played in Seattle I think it was 2008 or 2009. The band took some time off, but Seattle hadn’t forgotten them. The club was packed and there was already a good crowd when the first act came on stage.

The band played many old favorites (“Pain,” “Cupid’s Victim,” “Ghostfire . . . “) as well as some from their brand new new album in nearly a decade (titled V . . . —) which sounded just as good.

Bassist Djordje Stijepovic more than once dropped to the stage floor and played his bass lying down with the instrument straddled between his legs. Drummer Mike Fasano pounded as if his sticks would extinguish his flaming kit. As a result many times I got jostled against the stage with the energy of the dancing crowd and there were a few who performed acrobatic stage dives, much to the consternation of the stage crew who weren’t fast enough to prevent this.

After an hour the band left the stage only to return minutes later for an encore that lasted nearly another hour. Said encore began with just Nick 13 (singer/guitarist extraordinaire) playing solo, then the other two joined him. What a night! I hope it won’t be another near decade wait for another Tiger Army show, but the wait was well worth it despite the fact they didn’t perform my favorite song “Santa Clara Twilight.”

Prior to Tiger Army was a band from Austin, TX calling themselves The Bellfuries. This four-piece played a unique brand of good old hillbilly music with good old fashioned rock and roll thrown in. Though their music wasn’t punk, their guitar player (Mike Moimar) seemed to channel Joe Strummer. Their music was so authentic I felt like I was at a late fifties/early sixties sock hop. The already packed crowd seemed to agree with me judging by their very enthusiastic response. I even saw a small circle pit start up. The Belfries are, Joey Simeone – Vocals, Guitar Jeff Seaver – Upright & Electric Bass, Mike Molnar – Lead Guitar and Chris Sensat – Drums.

Starting off the night was The Pinehill Haints. This six-piece hails from Alabama and was very versatile, with several members playing more than one or even more than two different instruments. For a couple songs a musical saw was even played. The Pinehill Haints played a genuine hillbilly/blue grass style of music, but with tons of energy and a heavy rock and roll spirit thrown in. But the member who wasn’t playing an instrument, but could out dance anyone, was a small boy of not more than three. He wandered the stage, dancing and soliciting high fives from audience members who were only too willing to oblige. Despite the talent and charm that this band exuded, the little boy on stage with them stole the show. The Pinehill Haints are, jamie Barrier, Katie Barrier, J.R. Collins, Travis Hightower, Steven LeBlanc, & Justin S. Ward.

A fun night was had by all in attendance. Of that I am sure. It was so good to see Tiger Army play live again.

– Holly Homan

All photos property of Holly Homan.