Semi Precious Weapons
The Key Club
Hollywood, CA
Dec. 18, 2008
Words & Pixs by Lucky
(SugarBuzz Hollywood)
SugarBuzz Magazine
Twelve hour work day, pouring rain, and snarled holiday traffic would do in the best of them. But not I said the fly. After facing all these evils and more, I ventured out in the stormy Los Angeles night in the direction of the Sunset Strip. No better way to take the edge off then by putting one on.
You see one of the greatest rock and roll bands to sashay on this or any stage was doing their last show in town before heading back to their New York stomping grounds. I marvel as many acts are lucky to get one gig in town, and these fuckers land three Hollywood gigs (and a San Diego stop) in the span of five days. I suspect this is due in part to savvy manager BP Fallon whom is a rock star in his own right (Google him).
And while you get your Google on, type in Semi Precious Weapons. This be the band that lured me out into the night. At their site you can give yourself an early New Years present by downloading their entire new CD for free. That’s right fuckers, for free.
Not bringing rock to the masses, but bringing the masses back to rock, Semi Precious Weapons took off the safety and banished. Guitarist Aaron slung into the familiar hook from the bands soon to be classic “Semi Precious Weapons” while the impressive showing of fans anticipated his sexiness himself to grace the stage.
“Can’t pay the rent, but I’m fucking gorgeous” was howdy do to Hollywood from lead vocalist and fashionista Justin. Thirty-three and a third Factory, thirty-three and a third Lou Adler Horror Show, thirty-three and a third New York Club Kid, one hundred percent rock and roll, Justin breathes fresh air into an ever increasing stagnate scene.
“I wore my rain gear because I didn’t want to get wet”, Justin informed the throng. Place sexual innuendo here. And rejoice in the new catch phrase and next heavy hitter, “That’s Kunt”. Make your own list, compare and critique. Triple platinum indeed.
Ranting mantra ensues as “Her Hair Is on Fire” was delivered in un-relenting precision. No sympathy for the wicked, let it burn. Flea ala Brit, bassist Cole roams the stage in manic fashion. Flinging bass in helter skelter maneuvers, accidents are inevitable. Better keep bandage at hand.
Pre or post We Love You, I am not to sure, but the next two songs were hidden treasures to spoil the spoiled. “Nasty Legs” conjures a clandestine climax, while “I Can’t Love You Dead” revolves around a repetitive infectious riff. Let it roll.
Egocentric first person entails as “Magnetic Baby” looms large. In the pocket punch gets the emphasis from charismatic popster Dan on Drums, rim shots and punch calibrate. “Do you want to sing along” brought positive crowd interaction with obligatory fisting. Unpredictable note progression during Aaron’s raunchy dirt guitar solo puts the spin. “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.”
Semi Precious Weapons had us dreaming big with their over the top anthem, “Rock and Roll Never Looked So Beautiful”. Justin shined with the nuance enhanced story telling. Fucking Cole kill on the Jack Bruce a-like bass line while all hell breaks loose guitar solo. That’s not Kunt, That’s ROCK!
A faulty guitar amp head almost closed the show, but after some Justin homage, and a quick scurrying stage tech, we were sent off into the night with We Love You opener, “Taste”. Naughty lyrics make for a good time. Going down never sounded, or tasted, so good.
UK Shugsters, you get your chance next month.