ALKALINE TRIO / SPANISH LOVE SONGS / SLOMOSA – THE OAKDALE

ALKALINE TRIO / SPANISH LOVE SONGS / SLOMOSA – THE OAKDALE

By Ralph Beauchamp

On Thursday, September 19, The Dome in the Oakdale Theater hosted a daring concert. Alkaline Trio played to a packed house full of enthusiastic fans with Spanish Love Songs and Slomosa in immediate support.

The night started with Norway's stoner quartet, Slomosa. Not knowing much about the band, I had no expectations. As soon as they hit their first note, everyone, including me, saw it. Beginning with “Rice” from the 2024 full-length, Rock Tundrathe crowd was in a volley of stormy tension. Lead singer and guitarist Benjamin Berdous hit everyone with his brazen aggression. Lead guitarist Tor Erik Bye's riffs were hard but still had a solid groove. Marie Moe on bass was a treasure. Her basses were explosive and her stage presence captivating. Your eye was always drawn to her comedy. Drummer Jard Hole erupted with tremendous force. The band was impressive to say the least.

Photos by Jody Wilk Photography

Throughout their six-song set, Slomosa carved storms of unrelenting gluttony. “In My Mind's Desert,” from their self-titled debut album, was downright hard with a spicy undertone. “Battling Guns”, another tune from Rock Tundathey established their bold stance. Their last three songs, “There Is Nothing Under The Sun”, “Kevin” and “Horses” all came from 2020 Slomosa. Each song was built on the dynamic energy he unleashed on the audience. Berdus was quite friendly. He mentioned that his throat was bothering him and bought Nyquil which cannot be obtained in Norway. He helped but told the crowd to wake him up if he fell asleep.

Slomosa was a good find. Their music transcended many genres such as stoner, punk and hard rock. Their musicianship was flawless and Slomosa's visual presence had a bold flavor. A band worth seeing.

Next up was LA Spanish love songs fronted by lead singer and rhythm guitarist Dylan Slocum. Their sound adapts to punk with flakes of emo and anthemic rock. Something Springsteen on prozac. Starting with “Losers” from their 2023 release No Joythe house dug the spacey and heartfelt emotions the band put out. Slocum's voice was soulful and full of cinematic edge. HIS voice trembles with a dramatic intensity that grabs the listener by the throat. SLS's lyrics also pack a punch.

So do you think we'll get through this?
To overcome the pain of mere existence?
Every time you want to get out of your body
Or you can't get over that dream
You swore you loved it more
When you couldn't guess the ending
It never adds up
But don't write yourself out of the equation

Photos by Jody Wilk Photography

The set of Spanish Love Songs rotates between tracks from No Joy and their 2020 album, Brave faces to all. “Losers” was next and the band turned up the energy. Again the whole set was flawed with sonic propulsion. Lead guitarist Kyle McAulay's riffs were full of rich textures, while Ruben Duarte on drums was fearless. Meredith Van Wert's keys flashed with outsized impetuosity. “Self-Destruction” led to “Pendulum”, “Kick” and “Loser 2”. Their great success No Joy“Haunted,” drew a loud roar of approval. Spanish Love Songs closed with “Routine Pain” and “Clean-Up Crew”. The house really enjoyed their monstrous performance.

Until Alkaline Trio took the stage, Oakdale was packed. This was definitely the headliner everyone was looking forward to. Fronted by double vocalists Matt Skiba (Guitar/Bass) and Dan Andriano (Bass/Guitar), the crowd was animated from the get-go. The band is joined by drummer Atom Willard following the recent departure of longtime member Derek Grant. Founded in Chicago, Alkaline Trio have released 10 studio albums including 2024 Blood, hair and eyeballs.

Alkaline Trio they entered well dressed in suits and ties and had a height of supreme composure. It was a hearty attitude of confidence. They knew who they were and they knew they were going to put on a fantastic night. Their first song was “Hot for Preacher”, their solid track Blood, hair and eyeballs. Immediately the house erupted with excitement. Everyone was feeling the thrill. “We've Had Enough”, “Take Lots with Alcohol” and “Bad Time” followed and the house ate it up. “Versions of You” by Blood had the audience in a flow of aural appreciation.

Alkaline TrioHis 20-song set had many hits and live debuts. “Hinterlude” and “Broken Down In a Time Machine” by Blood were performed live for the first time. Other fan favorites included “Mercy” off Crimson“Private Eye” and “Armageddon” disabled From here to the Infirmary and “Calling All Skeletons” by Agony & Irony. “Warbrain”, “Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs” and the last song “Time to Waste” were also huge hits. The band followed through with 'This Could Be Love' and a killer version of 'Radio'.

Photos by Jody Wilk Photography

Throughout their performance, Skiba and Andriano's scenes were really entertaining. They dedicated some songs to the audience and kept the whole show fun and light. As their set progressed, the mosh pits got bigger and bigger. Everyone enjoyed the subtle textures Alkaline Trio they were falling. Most of the house sang along to almost every song. Alkaline Trio controlled the night and everyone left satisfied. A brilliant night of straight ahead punk and rock. I look forward to his triumphant return Alkaline Trio. Don't miss them. They rule absolutely.

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