Recap: The Front Bottoms and Mansions ruled last night.

Last night was such a radical time. I went up to Hoboken to see The Front Bottoms and Mansions at Maxwell’s and I must say, even though it’s early on in the year, this was by far the best show I’ve been to. 

Mansions: Prior to the show, I’ve heard many positive things about Mansions from some of my friends. I’ve meant to look them up forever, but I unfortunately never got around to it! -___- Just as expected, they were a band that made me think to myself after they played, “Why the hell didn’t I check them out sooner!” These guys blew me away and put on such a great show. In a way (if it makes sense or maybe it’s just me), Mansions reminded a little bit of a mix between Death Cab For Cuite and Seahaven. Anyways, I’m pretty siked because I just got my tickets to see them at the Asbury Lanes in March with Young Statues and A Great Big Pile of Leaves. By then I’d like to know all the words to their songs.

Brick and Mortar: Brick and Mortar was the next band to go on and man what a hell of show they put on. I’m pretty sure that this band follows me on tumblr, because they sounded quite familiar to me once I found out that they were on the bill for this show. As a two piece band they pretty much the most unique band I’ve ever seen live. What caught me by surprise was the drummer’s enthusiastic stage presence, getting up off his set and smashing the cymbals of his and bringing out his snare drum into the crowd. So radical! I really thought it was cool that they’re from the Asbury Park/Toms River area. Definitely would check these guys out again soon.

The Front Bottoms: Last but not least, The Front Bottoms came on stage in the most interesting way possible by taking off their clothes and putting on thrift store dresses. Once they opened with “Flashlight” Maxwell’s turned into a epic dance party with balloons and glitter flying all over the place. Last night proves that no matter what kind of show I go to (whether it would be hardcore or indie), I somehow leave the place drenched in sweat, thus that was why I was basically holding on to my glasses for my dear life the entire time, while trying to rock out and stuff. It took me by surprise that there were some people at the show stage diving and crowd surfing. I thought it was pretty effing awesome, considering that The Front Bottoms were the last band in the world that I’d expect to see people go off as if they were at a hardcore punk show. I was beyond stoked that they played old songs like “Twelve Feet Deep” and “Flying Model Rockets.”  It definitely brought back memories of my junior year of high school when my friend’s band (Exist) use to play shows with The Front Bottoms, back when they were a precious hidden gem in the New Jersey music scene.

Overall, I was really glad I decided to go and bought a ticket for the show the week before. It was nice catching up with some close friends and hanging out with them beforehand as well. I’m beyond stoked that The Front Bottoms are getting big, they definitely deserve it.

On another rad note: Maxwell’s is the coolest place ever for shows, if I’m the area again and there’s a cool show going on, I’m definitely going to try my best to be there.

Hoboken No Jokin’