For the first stop on a very long tour, the Black Lips brought their brash and comedic brand of rock to Seattle’s Neumos on Monday night and tore the house down. Local noise-makers Unnatural Helpers opened the night, with their set consisting mainly of short song-thoughts, the louder and more distorted the better. I didn’t get it. Long time rock veteran’s Pierced Arrows setup on stage next with the drum front and center (AKA right in my face). I’m not familiar with most of their material, however I will say I can see why this band very respected among their peers. They have their material down pat and put alot of sweat into their performances. A very good hard rock band indeed.

The Black Lips were who I came to see though, and let me tell you that they know how to stir up a crowd (or maybe their crowd is just naturally stirred up). From minute one of the first song, I was pressed up against the edge of the stage, buffetted by gyrating drunks, bouncing superfans, and guys shamelessly feeling up any girl they could get their hands on. The Black Lips themselves seemed pretty restrained, with relatively few appearances of the antics that they’ve become so well known for. That being said, is was hard not to get caught up in the fast paced but heavy set and the sheer adoration their fans exude. These gents proved to me they’re more than just a rollicking comedy troupe; they really can deliver a set of finely polished yet dirty rock songs that stand up on their own. I guess I’ll need to pick up a record or two now.

Unnatural Helpers

Pierced Arrows

The Black Lips

More pictures on Flickr: The Black Lips, Pierced Arrows, Unnatural Helpers at Neumos, February 4, 2008.