Jay Reatard at Santos Party House
Jay Reatard
My ears are still ringing this afternoon (even though I was indeed wearing earplugs last night) because Jay Reatard, Vivian Girls, and Cola Freaks took FULL advantage of the hefty sound system at Santos Party House for their sets.
It was decidedly Mr. Reatard’s night, as he drew a much denser crowd than his openers. Denmark’s Cola Freaks had had a strong post-hardcore meets post-punk feel, with not a single audible word from their lead singer – who was full of hyperactivity and bulging neck veins. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for his more stoic bandmates.
The über-hyped Vivian Girls were also on the lackluster end of the spectrum, albeit sweet.
“I’m so tired from playing so many shows,” admitted singer Cassie Ramone between songs. But as her redheaded bassist Frankie Rose quipped, “At least this show isn’t CMJ!”
Jay, with his curly mop of hair, 2-minute long song catalogue, and his Flying V guitar upped the ante for sure. He drilled through tons of great material including “It’s So Easy,” “See/Saw,” and “My Shadow,” and rarely paused between songs as he whipped his head every 3-4 seconds. In his guitarwork, vocals, and stage presence he demonstrated the togetherness and tenacity that has accumulated lots of fans in the past year or two.
It was hard to get our asses off the couch after the lllooooonnnngggg week that was CMJ, but everyone that headed to Santos on Sunday night found it worth it – I just hope my eardrums stop pounding by Tuesday morning or so.
Jay Reatard
Vivian Girls
Cola Freaks
Photos c/o Mark Iantosca
