On holiday in the Bay Area, I was sure to put some shows on my docket, especially since the larger cities tend to reap better acts. Sorry, Rochester, but you know it's true. Not only did we get to freeze our asses off outside to see Cake (where they played favorites including Love You Madly and Stickshifts and Safetybelts) but we also got a chance to revisit San Francisco's version of Water Street, Slim's, and take in some authentic Golden State punk. I had last visited this venue in 2007 to see the Ataris play, and found it to be just like our ROC counterpart: small, gritty and easily accessible to the stage.
With my perennial partner-in-crime in tow, we unfortunately arrived late, missing opener Title Fight. But, I had seen them back in September at Dubland with Polar Bear Club, so few tears were shed. Comeback Kid was striking their open chords as our hands were stamped and we settled in to the crowd. Though they were pretty unfamiliar to me, CBK brought the noise with their absolutely unforgettable guitar leads and well-timed balance of vocals.
Set Your Goals took the stage and immediately prepared us for a lineup change. Days earlier, lead singer Jordan had gotten sick on stage and would be sitting out the band's closing show in their hometown. Our skepticism about what would result was soon washed away as singer after singer from the tour and other bands took turns cranking out songs. Though we wish we had seen Jordan in action, we were pleased with this opportunity to mix it up a bit.As expected, Set Your Goals did not disappoint, even with their hodge-podge of band members. Their musicianship stood up to this challenge and the audience received them without missing a beat. I loved seeing a personal favorite, Gaia Bleeds, live as the "bombs away" refrain was picked up by the audience and regurgitated back with such ferocity that it harked back to the 90s hardcore movement. An awesome show to close out the week.
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