I guess I never did a review from two weekends ago...
I saw Dirty Heads and SOJA in Coney Island. Very chill reggae concert along the shore. Went to the original Nathan's for dinner before (this is now my tradition for coming to this venue) which was delicious especially because they server beer! Apparently the show started at 6pm (I thought that was doors) so I missed the opener while I was eating my dinner. Oh well, I had never listened to them, but if I knew they were going on at 6pm, I would have gotten to the area earlier.
SOJA was new to me, but I had recently got their latest album which actually won a grammy this year for best reggae album. I think it's really good music. Their live set was fun, but maybe a bit monotonous. As much as I enjoyed them, I don't think they did anything that really stood out to me. I was a bit bummed they performed the song that they collaborated with the singer of Dirty Heads but he didn't come out to sing his part. Like, you guys are in the same building wtf?! About half way into their set I noticed all the joints starting coming out. The venue is an open air amphitheater. So it's covered, but basically outdoors. Security didn't seem to care about all the smoke. After SOJA's set, I was chatting with a couple from Pittsburgh who had just seen the same show back home and were shocked by the lax security.
I saw Dirty Heads at the same venue in 2021 and it sucks to say, but there were significantly less people here for them this time around. The venue is listed as 5k capacity, but it wasn't even close to being half full. The emptiness of the venue is both good and bad. Bad for the band and the vibes, but good because I could walk all around for different perspectives without being smothered. Their light and video show was much better this time around. It was straight up trippy at times, but mostly was just colorful and enjoyable. The setlist wasn't too different than last year, but we got to see a brand new song performed that is unreleased. They also mentioned they were filming a music video for it that night. I don't expect to be in the video as I didn't even see any cameras
Overall, another fun Dirty Heads show and an enjoyable opener.
Dirty Heads & SOJA LIVE @ Coney Island Amphitheater NY 7/9/2022and as for this past weekend...
I went to the Stoked for the Summer annual punk show hosted by the Bouncing Souls at the Stone Pony along the Jersey shore. Funny enough, my reggae streak continued with Yellowman being the first band I saw. Save Face opened the day up, but because there was a storm cloud right as the show was supposed to start, the venue wouldn't sell me a ticket at the door and told me to come back in 45 minutes because if the storm didn't pass, the show would be cancelled. The storm passed and since i was on the boardwalk, I went to a local bar to kill the time. When I got back, Save Face was already finishing their set
Oh well, I wasn't familiar with them, but similar to the previous concert, I was in the area and could have seen them.
Yellowman was new to me. I did not know they were reggae. I did not know they were from Jamaica. I did not know the singer was deformed albino. I don't mean to be harsh here, but the guy looked like Hey You Guys if you know what I'm talking about. I read his wikipedia the next day to understand his story, but I must say I was a little bit confused by what I was watching on stage. I started from the back, but I was definitely enjoying the music so I moved right up to near the rail to get a closer view of the set. This guy is apparently legendary in Jamaica. I enjoyed the set, but similar to SOJA a week before, it did start to feel monotonous as it went on. His wife did come out and sing a few songs with him (I had no idea it was his wife, learned that afterwards). I couldn't really understand much of what he was singing, but I could tell it was about marijuana at times
Hot Water Music were next. I thought they were really good. Kind of reminded me of a punk rock Mastadon in a way with how the different singers sounded in style. The guitarist/singer's son was on stage the entire time to his side rocking out. The kid was huge in getting the crowd going. He was more energetic than anyone on stage that entire day. He rocked out so hard and at the end of the set, I got a great shot of his father hugging him and kissing him. It was a really nice moment for them. I didn't really know their songs, but I enjoyed the set a lot.
Joyce Manor were next. Another band I wasn't familiar with. Now this time, they reminded me of a punk rock Weezer. Melodic, not too fast or heavy, kind of catchy and a bit of a nerdy look. Not terrible, but not quite my thing. A mosh pit finally started during their set but it was pretty small and tame. But their final song was a lot of fun and one of the highlights of the entire day for me.
Bouncing Souls were good, but sadly, it seemed way less exciting than last years show. Maybe because this one wasn't sold out, or maybe this just happens every year and people are losing interest? I do think they were very fun though and played all my favorites from back in the day. There just wasn't much of a mosh pit until the end. But I do think the encore they did this year was much better than last year. First they brought out Yellowman for a Toots and the Maytals cover. The singer mentioned having seen Yellowman while in high school and was really stoked to perform with him. Then Hot Water Music came on stage for the final two songs, a Hot Water Music cover and then the Bouncing Souls song True Believers to end the night. Apparently both bands share the same drummer. Also the kid was back out on stage rocking out. It was a perfect ending to the show.
Bouncing Souls Joyce Manor Hot Water Music Yellowman @ Stone Pony 2022Up this week:
July 21st - Alanis Morisette & Garbage @ PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel NJ
July 22nd - Third Eye Blind & Taking Back Sunday @ PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel NJ
Topic: Concerts for 2022 (Read 37731 times)
