Strung Out
Harper's Ferry in Allston, MA
June 4, 2009

After spending two extra hours at work, I got to Greg's practice space with a cargo pocket full of more work to get done as Reason to Fight finished up their practice before we headed to the show. After a couple hours of hearing them reminisce about fight stories (well worth it), we headed to the show.

Had I known it was an early show, I would have left earlier, but after an adventerous drive which included missing an exit, missing a ramp that forced me into the Easy Pass toll booth and lucking into a close parking space after a bit of frustration in this college bar type town, we got there a few songs into Strung Out's set, missing Death by Stereo. They were all wearing matching shirts and all equally hammered, except for one guitarist that was ineberiated to the point of not being able to play (some other guy ended up picking up his guitar duties). Despite the fact that they will probably be feeling the affects of the alcohol they consumed for the next couple days, they were still pretty impressive musically. There was some slop here and there, but their musicianship blew me away. Props must also go out to the guy that filled in, as Strung Out don't play the simplest of music.

The crowd could have cared less how drunk they were, how sloppy they performed or even if they played their own songs.. They were just happy to be in their presence, hearing the music of a band they love. The pit, at first, was one of the most entertaining I've seen in awhile. They were jumping up and down like they were on a trampoline and smashing into each other like drunks riding bumper cars. This eventually became annoying, especially as peoples' body parts connected with mine. I had a finger in my ear and someone somehow put their hand down the back of my pants momentarily. This was in addition to the super sweaty guy that always seems to stand seemingly glued to me, even though there is plenty of space away from me. I eventually got pissed off and headed for the bar after someone wearing what felt like cement shoes stepped on my foot.

Despite a hurt foot, a hungry stomach and a minor annoyance, I had a pretty good time. Hearing songs like "Bring Out Your Dead," "Virginia Madison" and "Mind of My Own" made me happy, and I like how they switched up some parts of songs, adding an impressive addition to their set. Hearing that they'll be releasing a new album in October had me leaving with high spirits.

Written by: RF
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