Wednesday night I ventured out to Seattle’s foremost punk club, El Corazon. Yes, I’d seen Less Than Jake only three days prior at the Back to the Beach Festival, but it’s Less Than Jake. If they decided to come back to Seattle this weekend I’d venture out to see them. And if they came back the following weekend I’d do the same. This time, however, they were playing a double bill with Face to Face.
Less Than Jake preceded Face to Face. One of the first things they did was to invite two young women onto the stage who were wearing matching shirts that said, I Love Roger (referring to bass player Roger Lima). Not to be upstaged, trombone player Buddy quipped that he didn’t see anyone wearing an I love Buddy shirt. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised I’m not the only one who thinks Roger is cute. He absolutely oozes charisma.
A little later two young children were invited on. A brother and sister, they appeared to be about seven and four. They did a great job dancing and giving high fives to band members before being escorted off stage.
Guitarist Chris DeMake was forever quick with the quips while Buddy ran about the stage riling the audience. I got slammed around constantly and was squished in so tight at this sold-out show I could barely breathe. It didn’t help that El Corazon has zero ventilation. After their set my clothes right down to my underwear were drenched with sweat. But that’s the way punk rock should be.
I barely had time to take a breather before Face to Face hit the stage. Face to Face is all hard, raw energy punk rock. Their live act is much raunchier than they sound on just their recordings. The slamming didn’t abate with them either. In fact, as snug as sardines as we all were, a circle pit managed to ensue. While all the band members (Trever Keith – Vocals, Guitar, Scott Shiflett – Bass, Chad Yaro – Guitar, and Danny Thompson – Drums) were quite active on stage, I think the audience was even more so. I finally had to leave the cement mixer and sit it out in the bar by the time the encore came. Sticking around was worth it though because the very last song they played was my favorite, Disconnected. I think everyone in the club sang along.
I arrived late and only caught the last two songs of a Milwaukee quartet called Direct Hit. From what little I saw though, I was very impressed. They rocked a good raw energy and I hope they return in the near future so I can catch their entire set.
All in all, a sweaty, wild and fun night.
– All photos property of Holly Homan, all rights reserved.
