Night Birds at Nietzsche's (last time I saw bands here was 1992/93)

I actually went to a show this year! I know, HOLY SHIT, right? Last year, I made it to a few, with Flag and Negative Approach being highlights. As a matter of fact, the Negative approach show back in November (7 months ago!) was the last show I went to until this past Thursday when I ventured out to see Night Birds.

I first heard Night Birds a few years ago with the song Killer Waves and although I didn't have any of their records, I made a mental note to get out and go see them, but something always came up when they played the Funeral Home and I missed them. However, now that my daughters are both toddlers, it's easier to get out of the house and after hearing Born To Die In Suburbia, the latest output by NB, I had to go.

I got there before the first opener went on and picked up a copy of Bloodstains Across Buffalo from a distro table. The comp is full of old punk and power pop bands from here in Buffalo from 77-84. I work with a guy who went to see all these bands during those years and he also turned me on to The Enemies 5 years ago. The Enemies are featured on the comp along with another one of his favorites: The Jumpers. One should track down a copy, as it catalogs a nearly forgotten local music scene. Also, if you ever come across the Enemies records, pick them up, you wont be disappointed; though it took me a few years to track down the Product of the Streets LP for a reasonable price. 

With all apologies to friends who may be involved, the first two openers were straight up boring; plodding along with no real hooks or dynamics. I spent most of those sets looking at my iPhone, which why Aaron and the Burrs probably seemed so good to me. Aaron and the Burrs are an instrumental band jamming upbeat surf rock with tempo changes and the typical flair, but while looking like an 80's crossover band. It was refreshing after an hour and a half of sheer boredom.

For those of you not familiar, Night Birds sounds like an amalgamation of the Adolescents, Agent Orange, Dead Kennedys, Circle Jerks and Reagan Youth, but with an energy that spares them from sounding like a wanna be rip off. Their set was energetic, spot on and entertaining; which is surprising seeing as the crowd was mostly there for the bar or to see the second opener. I made sure to pick up the LP versions of their singles collection Fresh Kills Vol 1, and the full lengths The Other Side Of Darkness and 

Born To Die In Suburbia which are all great. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

My boredom during the openers killed my battery, so I made a gif of the few pictures I did take. 

 FIN