On Sunday night February 9, I headed back to El Corazon. This time it was for a night of ska with two great bands headlining – the Toasters and Mustard Plug.
Mustard Plug was the last to play, but the previous bands did such an excellent job of warming everyone up, that there was no loss of energy in the packed club. Front man, Dave Kirchgessner, never stayed in one place for long. He pranced about the stage, often leaning into the crowd, riling them into a frenzy. In fact they were so frenzied I often felt like a pinball as I was bounced into the stage and back into the crowd constantly.
Guitar player and vocalist Colin Clive put out so much energy that he dripped with sweat before their set was half over. Drummer Nate Cohn not only slammed like a demon, he looked like he was having the time of his life with his facial contortions and otherwise gleeful expressions. The band’s sound was rounded out perfectly with the bass playing of Rick Johnson. Then there was the horn section. Jim Hofer – trombone and Brandon Jenison – trumpet, were quite the lively pair. Brandon in particular often did his part in riling up the audience and even took over on vocals at the end of their set. He flitted about the stage, bellowing and growling into the mic and goaded the crowd into a writhing, streaming cauldron.
To put it mildly, this was one wild show. It took me an entire day to recover, but it was so worth it.
The legendary Toasters played prior to Mustard Plug. This was the Toasters 40th anniversary tour. I did mention they’re legendary. The only constant member is founder Robert Hingley AKA Bucket / Buck – Guitar, Vocals. Like Mustard Plug, the Toasters had a very lively horn section. There wasn’t a still body in the entire club. They played all their usual hits, Pirate Radio, Weekend In LA (which Bucket dedicated to Mickey Mouse), and ended with the usual Don’t Let the Bastards Drag You Down, which Bucket always dedicates to all the “fucking politicians.” It’s always a pleasure seeing the Toasters play. They are quite possibly the most under sung ska band and possibly the most long lasting. I first saw them at Seattle’s Bumbershoot Festival in 1996, although I ended up spending most that time chasing my then six-year-old son around.
Preceding the Toasters was Seattle’s Mister Blank. Fronted by bass player and champion emoter, James Sweazea, Mister Blank had many on their feet and spinning about in a non-stop circle pit. It’s been awhile since I last saw Mister Blank and they’ve gotten even more fun. I didn’t think that was possible. After their set ended I felt like I was a little kid who just finished playing in one of those inflatable bouncy houses.
Before Mister Blank was another Seattle band, the Replicators. Fronted by the flirtatious Kristine. She sported long blonde hair and large black framed glasses. She also played a wicked trombone and belted out songs with a voice that was simultaneously rough and gutsy, but as crystal as a bird’s song. The Replicators put on a great show with a brand of ska that ranges from ska pop to a more soulful sound.
Opening the night was Super Sonic Battle Squad. These guys played a pleasant punk pop sound reminiscent of Green Day, but without being a carbon copy. They even played a cover of When I Come Around. They totally rocked out and lit the flame to warm up the crowd.
As I mentioned, it took me a day to recover from being battered about and thrown against the stage multiple times. I hurt everywhere. My body says I’m too old for this, but my mind wants me to keep rocking out like I did when I was 24 and started attending club shows on a regular basis. Since I’m still on an emotional high from attending two shows in the course of one weekend, I feel a day of pain is worth the price of seeing great live music.
– Holly Homan
Mustard Plug
The Toasters
