Disclosure: there were actually four bands on this particular bill. After a bit of a delay in getting into the venue, I missed most of Manic Abraxas. And since I had a drive ahead of me and was traveling with a party of people that were on varying levels of intoxication, I missed the headlining Hessian. So it goes. Regardless, this was a tremendously fun evening, and both Heavy Temple and Pilgrim were a big part of the reason why.
Ok, so in the interest of time, this will be one of the least reviewiest of my concert reviews. Rather than get into the boring details of everything my senses experienced for a few hours a couple Saturdays ago, I’m going to keep this high level.
Normally, I attend these shows alone. It’s a lot easier to focus on the music and take pictures and all that without an army to entertain and/or take care of. (It is admittedly a lot more fun to attend shows with people, of course. Pros and cons of both.) Anyway, after an afternoon filled with delicious hop-flavored carbonated beverages in Portsmouth, I somehow managed to convince three other living human beings to get in a car with me and head to Portland for some stoner metal. I’m so good at things. Like manipulation and peer pressure.
Before eventually heading to the venue, we of course had to get some grub and booze at Novare Res. If you have never heard of Novare Res, educate yourself. If you have heard of Novare Res, well… great. It’s by a distance my favorite beer café and never fails to entertain. Especially this past weekend, when my debit card got switched with some other poor sucker’s. Pain in the ASS. But that’s a story for another time. Anyway, after food and beer we decided a pit stop at Binga’s was a good idea. College hockey and 100 ounces of Maine Beer Company filled the next hour fairly easily. Then, it was time to head to Geno’s.
I had never been to Geno’s Rock Club, but I gotta say I was impressed. The bar at the back with a slanted floor traveling all the way down to the stage is just an awesome set up. It had an edgy, grungy feel to it which I was all about. The lighting was perfect for the bands performing and the sound quality was of noticeable quality. The visibility of the show is pretty much perfect from wherever you’re standing — like at the bar — so that’s good. Always nice to wander around without losing your ability to see anything. I ventured around to take some pictures while sporadically checking back in with the people I manipulated into coming with me. Good news: everyone had a blast. Heavy Temple definitely made some new friends/fans that night and Pilgrim were as fun as a doom metal band could be. Solid, solid night of stoner doom and psych rock for everyone.
I’m going to wrap this up now. Look at the pictures if you want. I’m going to go drink another beer before the one I consumed while writing this wears off.
“Ein Bier… bitte.”
–cmb
Nine Circles 