GA: CryBaby’s first Black Sheep
Admittedly, the Black Sheep has accidentally eluded me. I tried to see ‘Slow Joy’ last time they came to the Black Sheep. Ultimately, it didn’t work out, but I made the most of it this time! It was filled with some new characters, for the better or worse.
The first band to play was ‘Viewfinder’, which is a Colorado Springs local band, and they had some nice riffs. The crowd applauded after every song and tried not to stand at the back of the venue. But I could tell everyone was revving up for ‘Tiny Tomboy’, ‘Nevermind (“NVM”)’, and ‘Slow Joy’.
Tiny Tomboy! It isn’t the first time seeing them and won’t be the last. A couple of the songs always find their way onto my Spotify rewinds, which is telling of actual good music. Speaking of good ‘Tiny Tomboy’ music, that’s all they played, including a new banger that is unreleased and goes just a little harder than usual called “Knock You Out”.
The stage at the Black Sheep was well over a whole foot taller than I’ve seen them play before, and I think it’s a disadvantage. They play best with the crowd as close as possible, but at least had actual groupies in tow tonight! Love you, babes! They also DID NOT get on each other’s shoulders – they might have accidentally hit their head on the ceiling! If you can go see them and support them I recommend doing it. They are playing at my other other favorite venue, 924 Gilman in Berkeley California, soon.
NVM had good music. It did feel like it was missing something. Maybe a different drum pattern. Maybe a different key. The band tried to start a circle pit and told everyone to jump like we were in an Avril Lavigne music video and act like we were at prom all in the same set – maybe it’s just structure they needed. Too bad the title for Utah’s toughest team has already been claimed by rightful owners ‘Backhand’, and they are still holding the title.
Finally, for the third time in their career, ‘SlowJoy’ got on stage in Colorado Springs, and they came out swinging. ‘SlowJoy’ has a special sauce. Ever since hearing his breakout song “Crawling” 3 years ago I, along with a bunch of others, got an infectious earworm for that Chicano Heavy ‘Slow Joy’ sound. It was with a heavy heart that I was unable to see them play the last time they came to the Black Sheep. The ‘Slow Joy’ sound is like a 4-lane highway of fuzz and emotions. They made an agreement that they were going to lay their bodies on the line for the set and they did. Play to a room of 40 like you would 4000. Also don’t, I repeat, DO NOT, attempt to crowd surf in a room of 40 people. Two people tried; they were held straight up and promptly set down.
These types of shenanigans make you look a fool and I will giggle at you to your face and tell you to not do it again, and my judgmental eyes saw them as corporate punks who sold their ethics to the local military-industrial complex.
I also went alone because the Black Sheep has the most expensive tickets in town. I guess it keeps the paint fresh, the stage lights updated, and the stage set unreasonably high. But it leaves it without the character of a punk venue… maybe it’s why I have a better time at What’s Left and Vultures. But who knows? I’m just a DIY girly pop who can’t tie their shoes or thoughts.
With love forever, your favorite crybaby, paaaate
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