Excuse the cursing, but The Front Bottoms are no strangers to profanity, so take it up with them.
They kicked off their sold out two-night run in Chicago at famed venue, The Metro, supported by UK rockers, Basement, and Minneapolis bred, Bad Bad Hats.
The fall tour, in support of their latest album, Going Grey, offered a set list filled with old familiar favorites and songs from the new record that don’t really even feel new.
Somehow, whether old or new, The Front Bottoms songs evoke a feeling of nostalgia that makes you want to ditch your adult responsibilities, and luckily, for an evening, you can.
Though the show offered more than a few memorable moments, quite possibly the most so was during a new song “Peace Sign”. The chorus of the song contains the lyrics: “She started talking backwards / But nothing good it brings her / So next time that she sees him it’ll be peace sign middle finger”, which the crowd proceeded to continually use the hand signals for the aforementioned symbols. It was hilarious and also, the song is just really good too.
The original TFB lineup of vocalist/guitarist Brian Sella and drummer Mat Uychich was supplemented by a rhythm guitarist, a keyboardist, a trumpet and violin player, and a bassist, offering a full band experience for their usually pared down, acoustic guitar heavy sound.
As for Basement, they provided their trademark Nirvana-esque style to a very gracious audience. While the crowd kept security busy with crowd surfers, Basement vocalist Aaron Buchanan proved that one can definitely put down some serious dance moves to emo music.
Last but most certainly not least, Bad Bad Hats, offered a performance that was equal parts trippy and otherworldly. Vocalist Kerry Alexander delivered delicate and innocent vocals, with sultry and mature lyrical content. It’s doubtful anyone in the audience wasn’t feeling a bit flirty by the end of their set.
The Front Bottoms continued their Chicago run with another sold out show at The House of Blues the following evening, which nearly every member of the audience said they’d be in attendance for when Brian Sella inquired. The Going Grey tour continues on through North America through mid-December and onto Europe with The Smith Street Band and Brick + Mortar after the New Year. Their latest album, Going Grey, was released 10/13/17 on Fueled By Ramen.
