 Graig Markel,
Shinola, Carmine, Radio Nationals
Live at
Sit-n-Spin, Seattle
February 12,
2000
Review By Les
Thomas
Home of Grunge,
Jimi Hendrix, and Starbucks, Seattle is not exactly known as
a hotbed for the alt.country scene. Minneapolis,
Austin—these places are famous for their
thriving cowpunk and alt.country scenes. But Seattle?
With artists
such as Marc Olsen, Neko Case, Pete Droge,
and the emergence of bands like The Delusions, Shinola and the newly
renamed Radio Nationals (ex-Haywire), Seattle is making a name for
itself as a vibrant, growing—and, dare I say
it, "hip," alt.country town. Last night
at the Sit-n-Spin, the Radio Nationals made their bid for head
shit-kicker status in this here cow-town.
Arriving late to
the show, I found Graig Markel's set already
over, and Shinola putting the finishing touches
on a rockin' set showcasing their punk-tinged rockabilly leanings.
Lead singer "Mr. Sexxy" (at least he
thinks he is) spent half the set talking himself
up, but folks, this band can play!
Carmine brought
a nice change of pace to the show. With their Pixies-influenced power-pop,
and a truly engaging nice-guy lead singer, the
band oozed enthusiasm and seemed to have at least
as much fun as the appreciative audience. I dare
you to find a tighter local live band!
Finally, after a
late arrival and the stomach churning sight of
photo-pal Justin "Jack
and Coke" Renney slamming 1 ounce bottles
of warm Jack Daniels (I believe he's the only
human being East of Kentucky who can do that and
not choke), it was time for the moment I'd been
waiting for: the Radio Nationals were taking the stage.
After a nervous
three-minute wait for their suddenly missing
guitar player, the Radio Nationals proceeded to tear into a
charged-up set of distortion saturated country
aggression that left the sold-out crowd
sweatin’, stinkin’ and beggin’ for
more. Lead singer Jared Clifton pounded his
trusty Gibson guitar mercilessly, and sang his
songs with raw emotion, jumping around the stage
with wild abandon.
For the more
pensive of mood, the Nationals even threw in a
couple of slower songs, proving beyond a doubt
that they are more than just a cow-punk one trick
pony. But ass-kickin' rawk songs are the
Nationals bread-and-butter, and most of their set
was stuck in full-on rock mode, much to the
delight of the packed house.
With a six
dollar cover, cd's available (also only $6!) for
the first time in the history of the band, and a
set sounding like a rowdier, younger Son Volt,
the Radio Nationals strengthened their
status as arguably Seattle's hottest country-influenced rock band.
And, with help from Shinola, made a strong case
for Seattle as a top Roots-rock town. I wonder
how long it'll take the rest of America to catch
on?
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