Vamos – Spiderbait LP Review (Record Release Show Tonight!)
Vamos feel like a party that you might die at, woozy with bummer vibes and lousy with bad decisions. After years of purveying sleaze metal after midnight in slimy DIY spots (competing with the rhythmic screech of the train) and putting their music out on neon plastic cassette tapes, they’re finally releasing their very first LP. Local label Maximum Pelt mates Ego and Modern Convenience join them tonight for a
free show to celebrate their graduation to vinyl.
The new album Spiderbait manages to resurrect the party-flu-snot-dripping zombie of rockstar kitsch and cock rock excess of days gone by. The sludge psychedelia and spooky Ozzy vocals on Bad Hook didn’t work for me (though if those keywords excite you, click away!) but I’m super excited to see a high quality version of “Jaded,” a wicked and reeling banger Vamos has been performing live forever that always brings down my entire world.
[bandcamp width=100% height=42 album=2062955756 size=small bgcol=ffffff linkcol=e99708 track=2436339360]It reminds me of the raw and addictive “Feelmonger,” a track previously released on their Midwaste tape, here newly recorded with a more deft and nuanced hand (I do recommend scuzz heads also check out the original recording). “Howl,” another favorite off Midwaste, here takes the form of a bitter boozy accusation and ends in the whole band pleading “All I want is you.” This record has greasy gleam and glamour, swaggering sexuality, and leaves a bad taste in my mouth that I can’t get enough of.
[bandcamp width=100% height=42 album=2062955756 size=small bgcol=ffffff linkcol=e99708 track=4084250403]If you’re determined to see them tonight (which you should be), you’re in luck; not only is it free, but there’s an equally free early punk show at Bric-a-Brac if you want to pull a one-two punch and still have enough money for a few cheap beers. There’s also a show at Old Mt Happy; see flyer below.
Vamos, EGO, Modern Convenience, Foul Tip
The Empty Bottle, 1035 North Western Avenue
9:00pm Mon, August 3 / 21+ / free
Moon Hag, Lil Tits
Bric-a-Brac Records & Collectibles, 3156 West Diversey Avenue
5:00 pm on Mon, August 3 / AA / BYOB